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Main News
EU unwilling to move forward with sanctions against Turkey
Alithia, Phileleftheros
EU Matters
OVERVIEW
Phileleftheros and Alithia report on the lack of willingness on the part of the EU for the imposition of sanctions against Turkey, and both highlight the hindering role played by Germany during the recent Foreign Affairs Council (FAC).
Phileleftheros reveals the positions expressed by member states during the FAC, and categorises countries into those who supported Cyprus and those who did not. The paper highlights a comment made by the Australian FM, who said that he hopes that his country never finds itself in the position of requiring solidarity. The paper writes that this comment represents the overall state of things, with the EU being unable to move forward with even the most basic of things.
Phileleftheros reports that presenting the options paper before the FAC, EU Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell said the document involves specifically the issue of Varosha and is also tied more broadly to EU-Turkey relations. He said the aim is to prevent an exacerbation of the situation on the ground.
The paper writes that during his initial address, FM Nikos Christodoulides began by raising objections about certain points on the options paper, and particularly about paragraph 13 that involved confidence-building measures (CBMs) through natural gas. Christodoulides said Turkey will not change course, adding that if decisions are not taken, Turkey will be sent the message that it is acceptable to continue this behaviour. He also expressed disappointment over the fact that member states appear more ready to take measures against Russia, but were not ready to show the same support to a member state.
In its address, Germany said that any decisions must not affect the UN process. Commenting, the paper writes that this means that Germany didn’t want to affect a process that does not exist. Germany then asked member states to consider whether sanctions against Turkey would lead to the desired result, and argued that more time is needed for discussion in Brussels, pointing to the potential repercussions of such a move. Germany also said its government has recently taken over and did not have time to study the options paper, and therefore decisions should not be taken. Alithia views this excuse as ridiculous.
The paper reports that Italy, Sweden, Finland, Spain also asked that the repercussions of implementing measures against Turkey are assessed. Italy appeared the most adamant from the group.
Esthonia and Malta asked that more discussion takes place on the options paper, while the Netherlands appeared unsure about the taking of measures and pointed to the call made by the UN Security Council (UNSC) towards Turkey, with the paper arguing that this meant to say that such a move was enough. Denmark said that the maximum that it can accept is the Borrell document.
On the opposing camp, the paper reports that France said that a response cannot be without measures, adding that the preparation of a state of affairs of sanctions especially for Varosha is the best option. Positive points were also made by Austria, Ireland and Luxembourg.
Austria said that relations with third countries must not be valued above the solidarity that must be shown to a member state, and said clearly that measures must be taken and the matter of cutting funds must also be discussed. Ireland agreed and said that Cyprus is not asking for anything excessive.
Belgium said that we must encourage negotiations on the Cyprus problem but this must not exclude the taking of measures on the basis of the options paper. Bulgaria said that violations of international law are not acceptable and reiterated its support for a federal solution in line with EU values.
Greece highlighted the need to support Cyprus and stand in favour of international law and UNSC resolutions. The country said that if boundaries aren’t set now, the EU will face bigger issues down the line.
Phileleftheros reports that when the discussion appeared to be reaching an impasse, Christodoulides stepped in and offered a compromise. He said that Cyprus could accept that an order is given for the preparation of a special state of affairs of sanctions for Varosha, which would be activated only if Turkey refuses the CBMs which have been proposed by Anastasiades in relation with Varosha. In the end, the paper reports, Christodoulides expressed disappointment for the lack of practical support, which only gives Turkey the go-ahead to continue behaving this way.
Phileleftheros reports that overall, the result was that interests prevented any measures being taken.
Alithia reports that an EU diplomat told it that there are no sanctions that will satisfy Cyprus and which would be felt by Turkey which would also not lead to any repercussions for any other EU member states.