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German Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs Michael Roth urges Turkey to stop provoking Greece and Cyprus and drilling in the eastern Mediterranean.
Roth also emphasized that “Greece must know that we are on its side, when Turkey threatens its integrity and that of Cyprus.”
In an interview with the newspaper “Die Zeit”, Mr. Roth highlighted the need to continue the dialogue process between Greece and Turkey and, referring to the EU sanctions against Ankara, stated that “if the EU member states , like Greece, they are provoked and threatened in relation to their security, so a clear response to this is required. “
“Just nice words” from Turkey
In view of the forthcoming European Council, Mr Roth, referring to recent statements by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoγlu on a “new chapter” in relations with the EU, spoke of “only nice words”. What we need now are the corresponding actions. “Turkey must show work,” he continued.
Roth cited, among other things, necessary actions by Turkey, the “deepening of the Customs Union or the facilitation of visas that the Turkish government wants, but which are not gifts of generosity.” “Specific conditions must be met for them.”
The issue of rapprochement with Europe is in the hands of Erdogan
“The issue of rapprochement is in the hands of President Erdogan himself and his government,” he said, when asked if a new spring, “as they say, will be followed by something specific from Ankara.
“The process of dialogue with Greece must continue.” Turkey must stop the test drilling in the eastern Mediterranean and the challenges to the detriment of Greece and Cyprus, “he said.
“Greece must know that we are on its side”
When asked about the different approaches to EU policy towards Turkey, Michael Roth explained that the impression should not be allowed in Ankara that the EU could be divided. “Greece must know that we are on its side, when Turkey partially questions the integrity and sovereignty of Greece, but also of Cyprus,” he continues.
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However, he acknowledged that “the EU, as a community of liberal democracies, still has difficulties in responding adequately and effectively to nationalism and populism.”
Regarding the possible “special responsibility” of Germany, the undersecretary of state explains that no other EU country has such close human and cultural ties with Turkey, as more than 3 million people in Germany have Turkish roots.
Roth also points out that sections of the Turkish community in Germany are still deeply divided: many are more religious and followers of Tayyip Erdogan, while others, even within the SPD, are very secular and strongly reject his policies in many areas. “That is why Germany has a special responsibility and a special interest in ensuring that the climate is not poisoned further,” he said.
“We are anything but passive” towards Turkey
At the same time, he categorically rejects the speculation that Berlin has a passive attitude towards Ankara: “We are anything but passive. We are in constant contact with Turkey, civil society, the government and the opposition. And I can assure you: the talks with the Erdogan’s government is not always pleasant. We say things by name. We clearly show our limits, when necessary, and resort to cooperation, when possible. Turkey tops our list of priorities. “Germany, in particular, has achieved a lot. in terms of commitment and commitment. “
Negotiations with Turkey have been on ice since 2016
When asked about the EU accession negotiations with Turkey, Roth said they have been “frozen” since 2016, but the fact that they are not interrupted is primarily an important message for Turkish civil society. “We do not want to leave all those who yearn for European values alone in the fight for democracy, the rule of law and human rights.
“Turkey is more than just President Tayyip Erdogan and his government,” he said, noting that EU membership is not just about security interests.
“The EU is a community of laws and values. President Erdogan’s current policies are incomplete or inadequate, especially on human rights issues. That is why it is not possible for accession negotiations to continue. But a narrative that the Turkish president keeps repeating is: the EU does not love us at all. They never loved us. I think that is also why we should not fall into the trap and close the door completely “, he adds and continues:” I have always been in favor of maintaining the perspective of accession . For the sake of the freedom-loving Turks. But you will surely notice that I too have doubts from time to time. “
However, at the same time, Michael Roth expresses the opinion that “something has started to move” in Turkey and points out that in recent years, the majority of the AKP is no longer as stable as before, while in big cities like Istanbul, its politicians rule the opposition.
Furthermore, the financial situation is strained and many yearn for some prospect for a better future. “There is the desire for change, freedom and democracy. “That is why it is even more important that we continue to build resilient bridges with civil society and not walk away from Turkey now.”
No country in Europe has hosted as many refugees as Turkey
Referring to the EU-Turkey refugee agreement, Mr Roth acknowledged, on the one hand, that there is currently no consensus in the EU on the reception of refugees, but on the other hand he highlighted the fact that no country in Europe has not welcomed As many refugees as Turkey has taken in: a total of around 4 million people, who, it says, generally receive good care.
“In any case, I would not say that refugees are always treated much better in the EU than in Turkey,” he said, describing the agreement as necessary to further improve the refugee situation in Turkey. “What many overlook is that the billions of euros we use to help Turkey host refugees did not go to the Turkish state budget, but to NGOs, health, education, labor and refugee housing,” said the Social Democrat. German.
Responding to a question about the Common Asylum Policy, Michael Roth expressed disappointment that the EU has not yet been able to put in place a progressive Common Asylum and Refugee Policy based on shared responsibility, solidarity and humanity. The German Presidency of the Council has not been able to reach the goal, it will be extremely difficult to have a successful ending in the coming months.
“The differences between the Member States are still large,” he explains. He even reveals that during the past six months he spent many weekends calling his counterparts and asking if they would be willing to host another 50 or even 10 refugees. “Dealing with refugees is the Achilles heel of the EU,” he said.
Turkey must comply with the recommendations of the European Court of Human Rights
Finally, when asked about the European Court of Human Rights decision to release editor Osman Kavala and politician Selahattin Demirtas, Mr. Roth points out that just by being a member of the Council of Europe, Turkey is bound to comply with the judgments. of the European Court of Human Rights.
“A new refusal would also have painful consequences for Turkey. And that is exactly what we are pointing out to the Turkish government. The judgments of the European Court of Human Rights must be complied with. This is the condition for participating in the Council of Europe,” he concludes. the Undersecretary, whose country currently holds the Presidency of the body.
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