EU threaten Turkey with sanctions if ships don’t withdraw from Greek waters

·

The European Union is preparing sanctions against Turkey that could be discussed at the bloc’s next summit on Sept. 24 in response to the eastern Mediterranean dispute with Greece, the EU’s top diplomat said on Friday.

The measures, meant to limit Turkey’s ability to explore for natural gas in contested waters, could affect individuals, ships or the use of European ports, Josep Borrell said. The EU would focus on everything related to “activities we consider illegal”, he added.

Read More: Turkey to hold military drills off coast of Cyprus as Greece continues exercises with France and Italy
Read More: Greece to extend territorial waters in the Ionian Sea, says PM

Borrell spoke in Berlin where EU foreign ministers met to discuss support for Greece after Athens ratified a pact on its maritime boundaries to counter Turkey’s claims to energy resources in the region.

In a fresh sign of tensions, Turkey’s Defence Ministry said Turkish F-16 jets on Thursday prevented six Greek F-16 jets which took off from the island of Crete from entering an area where Ankara is conducting maritime activity.

Sidelines of the informal talks of the EU foreign ministers in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Aug. 28, 2020. (Kay Nietfeld/dpa via AP)

Greek media reported that Turkish fighter aircraft had harassed Greek jets which were returning to base on Crete. Accusations and counter accusations on military issues are common between the two NATO allies.

In Berlin, Borrell said the bloc was ready to sanction Turkish vessels, block their access to EU ports and cut off supplies.

Possible Sanctions

“We can go to measures related to sectoral activities … where the Turkish economy is related to the European economy,” Borrell told a news conference, referring to possible sanctions.

Turkey’s foreign ministry said the EU had no basis for its stance and rejected Greek maritime claims. President Tayyip Erdogan told NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg Turkey will continue to protect its rights and interests everywhere.

“Our President told him NATO must fulfill its responsibility against unilateral steps which disregard international law and harm regional peace,” Erdogan’s office said in a statement.

In this photo provided by the Greek Defense Ministry, warships take part in a military exercise in Eastern Mediterranean sea, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (Greek Defense Ministry via AP)

France has notably taken a tough stance on Turkey’s actions in the eastern Mediterranean and French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday this was to set red lines because Ankara respects actions not words.

Borrell and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the EU first wanted to give dialogue a chance to cool tensions.

Turkey is a formal candidate to join the EU, although its candidacy is at risk and could be withdrawn as a type of sanction, diplomats have said.

Two senior EU diplomats told Reuters that foreign ministers agreed to leave any decision to EU government leaders, who are set to meet for a two-day summit from Sept. 24.

“Nothing will be decided before the September European Council,” a senior diplomat said, although the envoy added that Turkey could also be rewarded with greater access to the EU’s market of 450 million consumers if it curtailed its drilling.

Sourced By: Reuters

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Young dancers shine at Kogarah Greek Orthodox Parish’s first cultural fundraiser

The Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah held its inaugural Parish Greek Schools and Dancing School Fundraising Dinner.

Funding boost for The Cottage Kitchen’s community meal program

The Cottage Kitchen run by the St Nectarios Parish and Community in Burwood, Sydney has received a welcome boost, with a $3,171 grant awarded

Rebetiko revival: Melbourne event transports guests to the heart of 1920s Greece

The Hellenic Women's Network of Victoria, in collaboration with EEAMA, hosted a vibrant cultural afternoon dedicated to Rebetiko.

Builder George Lavrentiadis faces jail after illegally flattening historic SA beach shacks

George Lavrentiadis has apologised in court after illegally demolishing two historic beach shacks on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula.

Joe Palatsides joins CommBank Matildas as Assistant Coach

Joe Palatsides has been appointed Assistant Coach of the CommBank Matildas, as part of a strategic refresh of the team’s technical staff.

You May Also Like

Widespread farming protest movement hits Greece

A widespread farming protest movement is occurring across Europe, with multiple countries including Greece seeing farmers uniting.

Melbourian Mel Pateras creates lipstick range which helps women with cancer

Mel Pateras has developed her own luxury lipstick brand Meleros Cosmetics with proceeds going to help women with cancer.

Albanese government pledges $139,000 towards creation of ‘Anzacs, the Greek Chapter’

MP Matt Keogh, Peter Khalil and Josh Burns announce $139,000 towards "Anzacs, the Greek Chapter" documentary at Lemnos Gallipoli Memorial.