[News] Europe threatens Ankara: de-escalation or sanctions

[HiTLeR]

 

In a decisive tone, the European Union threatened yesterday (Monday) Erdogan's regime with being subject to sanctions, announcing its conditions for easing tension in the eastern Mediterranean.

The High Representative of the European Union Josep Borrell informed Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu of the Union's conditions to reduce tension in the Eastern Mediterranean and spare Ankara falling under the guillotine of European sanctions, describing the unilateral steps taken by Ankara as increasing tension. He stressed that the European position is unified regarding the request of Turkey to stop its unilateral actions.

Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas stressed that his country would not accept destabilizing the eastern Mediterranean region, considering that there is an opportunity to reach a solution to this crisis before the European summit on September 24 dedicated to discuss imposing sanctions.

Borrell had warned that further restrictive measures against Ankara could be discussed. He added: We include the characters, we can go to the list of assets, ships, and we can pass the penalty for participating in activities that we consider illegal.

In turn, a senior EU diplomat said in statements: "There is a stick (of sanctions), and there will be (islands) to get Turkey to engage seriously in dialogue," adding: "These islands may be progress on the level of a new customs union and more money for the refugee program."

It is noteworthy that tensions have escalated in recent weeks, between Greece and Turkey, as the race continues over gas and oil reserves in the disputed eastern Mediterranean region, prompting the two countries to approach a possible military confrontation.