[ad_1]
Not even the second Draft Conclusions, which was notified to the EU Member States on the morning of Thursday 10 December, can be considered satisfactory to be accepted by Athens in view of the Summit of the European Council that begins soon in Brussels.
The talks at the Permanent Representative level did not lead to dramatic changes and now the “battle” will move to the leadership level. At the same time, both the Palace of the Maxims and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs loudly refuted the article in the newspaper “Dimokratia” about a conversation between the head of the Diplomatic Office of Prime Minister Eleni Sourani and the representative of the Turkish Presidency Ibrahim Kalin before the President of the EU Kalin.
Decorative changes
According to the text of the preliminary draft, of which the “Step” is known, the changes that exist are mainly decorative. The reason for this is that the three main demands of Athens, namely the inclusion of countermeasures for violations of the Customs Union by Turkey, the examination of sectoral restrictive measures / sanctions and the arms embargo, are not accepted, The same information indicates that in the last days three countries – more specifically the Germany, the Spain and the Italy – have vetoed any attempt to include any of the three options in the text.
Essentially, the only changes to the original text refer to a specialization of the report that the Josep Borrell with emphasis on Eastern mediterranean, but also that the consideration of possible new measures can be done before the European Council next March. The reference to the Multilateral Conference of the Eastern Mediterranean is also “neutralized”, an unthinkable obsession, as most characterize it, both of Mr Borrell and the President of the European Council Charles Michel.
The text of the draft is as follows:
Eastern mediterranean
28. The European Council returned to its conclusions of 1 and 2 October 2020 on the European Union’s relations with Turkey in the light of the situation in the eastern Mediterranean. Unfortunately, Turkey has carried out unilateral actions and provocations and has intensified its rhetoric against the EU, EU Member States and European leaders. Turkey’s unilateral and provocative activities are still taking place in the eastern Mediterranean. The European Council takes note of Turkey’s withdrawal of the Oruç Reis vessel and insists on a sustained downsizing to allow the early resumption of direct exploratory talks between Greece and Turkey.
29. The European Council reaffirms the strategic interest of the EU in developing a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey. The offer of a positive agenda between the EU and Turkey remains on the table, provided that Turkey is willing to promote a genuine partnership with the Union and its Member States and to resolve differences through dialogue and in accordance with international law. Such an agenda could cover the areas of economy and trade, person-to-person contacts, high-level dialogues, and ongoing cooperation on migration issues. The European Council stresses the importance of keeping communication channels open between the EU and Turkey. The EU will also be ready to continue providing financial assistance to Syrian refugees and host communities in Turkey.
30. The EU remains committed to defending its interests and those of its Member States, as well as maintaining regional stability. In this regard, the European Council:
– invites the Council to adopt additional lists based on its Decision of 11 November 2019 on restrictive measures in view of Turkey’s unauthorized drilling activities in the eastern Mediterranean;
– invites the High Representative and the Commission to present a report on the situation of political and economic relations in the Eastern Mediterranean and the EU-Turkey and on the options to be followed, including the extension of the scope of the aforementioned decision to its consideration no later than the March 2021 European Council.
31. The European Council condemns Turkey’s unilateral measures in Varosha, calls for full respect for Resolutions 550 and 789 of the UN Security Council and reiterates its full commitment and support for a global solution within the framework of the UN.
32. The European Council calls on the High Representative to take forward the proposal for a multilateral conference on the Eastern Mediterranean.
33. The EU will try to coordinate matters related to Turkey and the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean with the United States.
at google news and be the first to know all the news
[ad_2]
