EU foreign ministers decide to impose sanctions on Turkey over Cyprus

On Monday, EU foreign ministers decided to impose sanctions on Turkey if Ankara’s actions and provocations against Cyprus continue.

At a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, the Foreign Affairs Council called on EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and the European Commission to prepare proposals for sanctions against Turkey in light of its unilateral actions in the city Varosha in occupied northern Cyprus and the pursuit of a research vessel Nautical geo in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus.

The EU Foreign Ministers agreed that they would ask the European External Action Service to prepare an options paper, which is both an analysis of the situation and a proposal for a number of measures that the Council could consider if it wishes to take a decision.

After meeting Josep Borrell called “unacceptable” Turkey’s intervention against European courts.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy added that Turkey’s behavior creates tensions in Cyprus and undermines the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus problem. He also expressed solidarity with both Cyprus and Greece.

Josep Borrell concluded that it was decided to instruct the European External Action Service and the European Commission to prepare options with proposed measures against Turkey, the decision on which will be taken by the member states.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias stressed that the European Union must clearly define the limits of what it is willing to tolerate in light of Turkey’s provocative behavior. He stressed that, as other Member States show solidarity for action Belarus, they must show solidarity with Cyprus.

The proposal was approved by the Council by acclamation, as at least nine other member countries strongly supported it and no country objected.

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