For the first time, the European Parliament, by a large majority, voted in favor of the imposition of strict sanctions on Turkey.
The result of the vote was 440 votes in favor, 193 against and 53 abstentions.
The vote was focused on an amendment tabled by Greek and Cypriot MEP’s regarding Turkey’s partial reopening of the Cypriot coastal town of Varosha, which violates UN Security Council resolutions.
READ MORE: Occupied Cyprus to reopen beach abandoned in no-man’s land since 1974 conflict.
The amendment states that the European Council must “maintain its unified position vis-à-vis unilateral and illegal actions by Turkey” and “take action and impose tough sanctions” on Turkey, “in response to [its] illegal actions.”
The resolution, titled Escalating tensions in Varosha following the illegal actions by Turkey and the urgent need for the resumption of talks,’ states that further sanctions “can only be avoided through dialogue, sincere cooperation and concrete progress on the ground.”
READ MORE: EU threaten Turkey with sanctions if ships don’t withdraw from Greek waters.
Greece’s Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, congratulated the Greek and Cypriot MEP’s on their success via Twitter.
“On the initiative of Lefteris Christoforou and Loukas Fourlasere, there has been this significant success. Congratulations to the entire Greek and Cypriot Delegation to the EPP,” Dendias wrote.
