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The 27 EUs are expected to adopt conclusions calling for restrictive measures “without delay” against Belarus, an immediate ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, an independent investigation into the use of chemical weapons against Alexei Navalny and a framework for relations with the EU. Ε. – China in the near future, according to a draft passed to KYPE. The draft does not contain a paragraph on Turkey.
This fact confirms the fact that a harsh political and diplomatic context is expected in the next few hours, as Cyprus has already made it clear that will not consent to sanctions against Belarus, if the European Council does not take similar decisions against Turkey.
However, for this position, Nicosia is under heavy pressure, and President Anastasiadis declared, even before going to Brussels, that “sanctions against Turkey are not an end in themselves».
Reuters: Fears of a deadlock at the summit
At the same time, a Cypriot diplomat told Reuters that Nicosia It insists that sanctions against Belarus can only be imposed if the corresponding sanctions against Turkey exist.
“For sanctions to be imposed on Belarus, we must first accept our own proposals,” the official said, adding that the President of Cyprus, Nikos Anastasiadis, met with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel – who will chair the two-day Summit, in order to describe in detail the position of Nicosia.
“I imagine there will be a long debate in the European Council. I do not rule out that something could happen, but, for now, I would not bet on a positive result,” continued the same source.
Mitsotakis at the Summit: dialogue and diplomacy or sanctions
At the same time, strict message sent during your Summit attendance European Union the first Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, stressing that Turkey’s provocation can no longer be accepted.
He explained that we now have two paths open: “one is the path of dialogue and diplomacy.”
The Prime Minister’s statement is as follows:
“Europe is called to boldly and sincerely decide what kind of relationship it wants to have with Turkey. Turkish provocation can no longer be tolerated. Turkey’s behavior not only violates the sovereign rights of two EU member states, Greece and Cyprus, it also harms the interests of the whole of Europe in the Mediterranean.
Now there are two roads to Turkey. One of dialogue and diplomacy. The other is the growing tension that will inevitably lead to action. Greece has shown that it wants the first path. It is up to Turkey to do the same. To do it consistently. ”
Mitsotakis to Michel: in Turkey’s hands if it will choose cooperation or sanctions
Previously, Mr. Mitsotakis met with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, shortly after his arrival in Brussels for the Extraordinary Session of the European Council.
A summit, provoked by Greece and the Republic of Cyprus on the occasion of the ongoing Turkish provocation.
The two leaders agreed that the EU wants a good relationship with Turkey and stability in the region. But adding that the EU is ready to use all the tools at its disposal to defend its interests and promote its objectives.
During the debate, the Prime Minister stressed that Greece wants good neighborly relations without tensions in the region. But it is clear, he added, that it is up to Turkey whether it will choose to cooperate or face the consequences of its behavior.
What the draft conclusions of the European Council foresee
Analytically, in the draft conclusions of the European Council, regarding China, “the European Council welcomes the oral report on the meeting of the EU leaders with President Xi Jinping on 14 September and the signing of the agreement on geographical indications “.
The European Council highlights “the need to balance the economic relationship and achieve reciprocity. It recalls the objective of concluding, at the end of this year, the negotiations for an ambitious EU-China Comprehensive Investment Agreement (CAI) that addresses the current asymmetries of market access, contribute to a level playing field and establish substantial growth. ‘
He also called on China to “meet previous commitments to address barriers to market access, advance overcapacity and open negotiations on industrial subsidies to the World Trade Organization.”
Furthermore, the European Council encourages China to “assume greater responsibility to address global challenges.” This includes, in particular, “taking more ambitious climate measures in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement and on biodiversity and supporting multilateral responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular with regard to treatments and vaccines, and relief. Of the debt”. as a prerequisite for recovery from the pandemic, especially in Africa. “
The European Council welcomes President Xi Jinping’s statement after the leaders’ video conference that “China will aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060” as a “significant step in the right direction.”
The European Council underlines its “grave concern about the human rights situation in China, including the events in Hong Kong and the treatment of minorities, as expressed at the EU-China Summit in June and at the meeting of its leaders on September 14 “.
It reaffirms the “political rapprochement of EU-China relations as set out in the Joint Communication between the Commission and the High Representative” EU-China: A Strategic Perspective “of March 2019 and calls for more coherent efforts to implement it.” It calls on the Commission and the High Representative to present a progress report by March 2021. It looks forward to a meeting of all its members with President Xi Jinpin in 2021.
As regards Belarus, according to the project, tThe European Council “condemns the unacceptable violence of the Belarusian authorities andagainst peaceful protesters, as well as intimidation, arbitrary arrests and detentions after the presidential elections, the results of which he does not recognize.
The European Council “fully supports the democratic right of the Belarusian people to elect their president through new free and fair elections, without external interference.”
The European Council “calls on the Belarusian authorities to put an end to violence and repression, to release all political detainees and prisoners, to respect the freedom of the media and civil society and to initiate a global national dialogue “.
He agreed that “restrictive measures should be imposed and called on the Council to approve the decision without delay.”
With regard to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the European Council calls for “an immediate cessation of hostilities and calls on the parties to return to a lasting ceasefire and a peaceful solution to the conflict.” “The loss of human life and weight of the civilian population is unacceptable. There can be no military solution to the conflict or external intervention. “Azerbaijan and Armenia must begin substantive negotiations without preconditions,” the draft said.
For its part, the Deutsche Welle network reported that the leaders are expected to make it clear to Turkey that the resumption of relations with the EU presupposes the resolution of all the problems with Greece and Cyprus. However, they do not appear to be willing to accept Nicosia’s request for sanctions against Ankara.
