The European Union did not accept sanctions against Turkey for its actions in the Eastern Mediterranean. This was told by the head of the European Council Charles Michel, quoted by TASS.
“We have agreed on an approach that opens up a dual strategy. We decided that we want to give a chance to political dialogue in common interests. On the other hand, we have expressed commitment to our values and complete solidarity with Greece and Cyprus, ”he said.
It is argued that Brussels is ready to impose sanctions against Ankara at any time if it does not stop “unilateral provocations against Cyprus.”
On September 21, it was reported that the European Union could not come to unanimous approval of sanctions, including against the leadership of Belarus, because of the Cypriot authorities. They insist that restrictions be imposed against the Turkish government at the same time.
The controversy between Turkey and Greece over the coast in the Eastern Mediterranean is associated with the right to drill the shelf. The European Union threatens Ankara with sanctions for illegal drilling activities. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in turn, says that Athens does not respect the agreement with Ankara. According to him, Greece itself resumed drilling operations contrary to the agreements. Due to the aggravation of the situation in mid-August, France transferred military equipment to the Mediterranean to support the Greek side.
For the first time, contradictions over the Eastern Mediterranean arose in 1974 – then a coup d'etat took place in Cyprus, associated with an attempt by Greece to annex the island. Turkey sent troops to the north of Cyprus and proclaimed a Turkish Cypriot federal state there, later it was renamed the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The rest of the island is now under the control of the government of the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey has repeatedly called for joint development of deposits by Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, allowing for cooperation with Russia.
