Google Search for Web:

Kajal Agrawal

European Union intends impose sanctions on Turkey to stop Med drilling Featured

  29 August 2020

European Union on Friday urged Turkey to halt its drilling activities in contested waters in the Mediterranean and ordered EU officials to speed up work aimed at blacklisting some Turkish officials linked to the energy exploration.

Tensions are mounting to breaking point between Turkey and Greece over Turkey’s drilling work near the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, which like Greece is an EU member country. Turkish and Greek armed forces have been conducting snap war games in the area.

Referring to what he called “growing frustration” with Turkey, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that the sanctions — which include asset freezes and travel bans — could be extended, with Turkish vessels being deprived access to European ports, supplies and equipment. Economic sanctions are also a possibility.

EU leaders will discuss whether to impose the additional measures at a summit in Brussels on Sept 24-25 should Turkey fail to stop what the Europeans consider to be “illegal activities” in the eastern Mediterranean near Cyprus.

But Turkey said the EU was only making matters worse by brandishing sanctions and it vowed to defend its rights.“Turkey has to abstain from unilateral actions. This is a basic element to allow the dialogue to advance,” Borrell told reporters in Berlin after chairing a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

He said the EU is keen to establish a “healthier relationship” with Turkey, which is a candidate for membership in the 27-nation trading bloc, although its accession talks are virtually frozen.

“We must walk a fine line between preserving a true space for dialogue and at the same time showing collective strength in the defense of our common interests. We want to give a serious chance to dialogue,” Borrell said.

Turkey doesn’t recognize the divided island of Cyprus as a state and claims 44% of Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone as its own, according to Cyprus government officials. Turkish Cypriots in the east Mediterranean island nation’s breakaway north claim another 25%.

The Cypriot government has prepared a list of Turkish officials that it believes should face sanctions, and it is this list of names that EU officials will accelerate work on in coming days.

Cyprus was split along ethnic lines in 1974 when Turkey invaded in the wake of a coup by supporters of union with Greece. A Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence is recognized only by Turkey, which keeps more than 35,000 troops in the breakaway north.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said he was satisfied with the results as “Greece won the unanimous support of all its partners,” and because EU leaders will weigh action in a few weeks “if there has been no de-escalation by the Turkish side and dialogue by then.”

Beyond individual sanctions, steps discussed include measures hitting the sale, purchase and export of material related to energy research, the transfer of technology and products. Should those fail, Turkey’s banking and industrial sector could be hit, including with a ban on lending to the country by state-owned banks in Europe. EU funds could also be cut.

Dendias said he hoped “that Turkey will return to common sense, stop provocations, stop arbitrary actions, stop violations of international law.”

But it’s unclear whether sanctions might slow Turkey down. Steps were taken in the past — the slashing of funds meant to prepare Turkey for EU membership and the virtual freezing of its accession talks — yet Ankara has only become more vocal.

On top of that, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has shown his willingness to encourage migrants and refugees from Syria to cross the border into Greece and on to Europe, which remains deeply destabilized by the arrival of well over 1 million people in 2015, to ensure that his demands are well understood.Turkey also plays a military role in Libya, a main jumping off point for migrants hoping to reach Europe.

The Foreign Ministry in Ankara said the EU decision would only harden Turkey’s resolve.“The fact that the EU is reverting to the language of sanctions while Turkey constantly emphasizes dialogue and diplomacy, does not help the resolution of the problems and increases our country’s determination even more,” spokesman Hami Aksoy said.

Aksoy said that the EU’s “unconditional support” of Athens and Nicosia was increasing tensions, and that “Turkey will continue to defend its rights and those of the Turkish Cypriots despite the illegal alliance that has been formed against it.”

Meanwhile, Greece and the United Arab Emirates began joint air force training exercises in the eastern Mediterranean, in the latest build-up of military forces. The training flights started Friday, a day after the UAE completed the transfer of nine F-16 fighter jets and four transport planes to a Greek airbase on the island of Crete, the Greek Defense Ministry said.

 

 

Battle for the Blue Wall states: Will Tr…

02-11-2024

Sample Image

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, known as the 'Blue Wall' states, are key battlegrounds. Both candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald...

Read more

Serbia mourns victims after roof collaps…

02-11-2024

Sample Image

Serbia mourns after a roof collapse at Novi Sad’s main train station killed 14 and left three seriously injured. Authorities have launched an investigation, with Interior Minister Ivica Dacic confirming...

Read more

Greek police arrest man over Athens apar…

02-11-2024

Sample Image

Greek police have arrested a 31-year-old man linked to a home-made bomb explosion in Athens that killed one and injured another. The explosion, suspected to occur during bomb-making, is associated...

Read more

Iran's supreme leader threatens Israel, …

02-11-2024

Sample Image

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has threatened a 'crushing response' against Israel and the United States if attacks on Iran and its allies persist. This statement follows an October...

Read more

'No male friends, hair and makeup by exp…

02-11-2024

Sample Image

Soudi Al Nadak's viral Instagram video showcases the strict lifestyle rules set by her millionaire husband in Dubai, which include coordinating outfits and avoiding work or male friendships. Garnering over...

Read more

'Giving the mic ole Hawk Tuah': Donald T…

02-11-2024

Sample Image

In the final days before the election, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris held competing rallies in Wisconsin. Trump faced microphone issues leading to a viral moment due to an awkward...

Read more

Abortion ban: Pregnant teen in Texas die…

01-11-2024

Sample Image

In Texas, the death of 18-year-old Neveah Crain emphasizes the difficulties created by the state’s abortion ban following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Despite experiencing severe health crises during...

Read more

'Who the hell cares?': Donald Trump's re…

01-11-2024

Sample Image

Former US President Donald Trump, at a Milwaukee rally, dismissed climate change concerns, calling it overstated and mocking rising sea level fears. Trump emphasized nuclear threats as a greater danger...

Read more

From 'dipsh*t' to 'that gay guy': Tim Wa…

01-11-2024

Sample Image

At a Detroit rally, vice presidential candidate Tim Walz referred to Elon Musk as "that gay guy," sparking a mix of laughter and criticism online. This followed Walz's previous comments...

Read more

US deploys more ballistic missile defenc…

01-11-2024

Sample Image

The United States has enhanced its military presence in the Middle East by deploying additional ballistic missile defence destroyers, fighter squadrons, tanker aircraft, and B-52 bombers. This move aims to...

Read more

'Faith bird that feels light when dawn i…

01-11-2024

Sample Image

US secretary of state Antony Blinken highlighted Rabindranath Tagore's words at the state department’s Diwali reception. President Biden and vice president Harris participated, recognizing Diwali's significance. Biden hosted a record...

Read more

Fake video depicting voter fraud in Geor…

01-11-2024

Sample Image

US intelligence officials reveal a fabricated video by Russian operatives claiming voter fraud in Georgia, cautioning continued foreign election interference. The FBI and other agencies proactively address disinformation, identifying this...

Read more

Social media sensation 'Peanut the Squir…

01-11-2024

Sample Image

Peanut the Squirrel, a pet of content creator Mark Longo, was euthanized by New York authorities for rabies testing after being seized from his home. Fans initiated a petition and...

Read more

Kamala Harris vows to end 'unnecessary' …

01-11-2024

Sample Image

Kamala Harris pledged to eliminate unnecessary degree requirements for federal jobs via executive order on her first day as president. Addressing a crowd in Janesville, she emphasized this move's potential...

Read more

Elon Musk reacts to reports that he coul…

01-11-2024

Sample Image

Elon Musk is from South Africa and he dismissed allegations that he violated US immigration law. Even President Joe Biden spoke about the issue as he said, "That wealthiest man...

Read more

Watch: Hugh Hewitt storms out of Washing…

01-11-2024

Sample Image

​When Hewitt's turn came to speak he said the news needed to be reported. “Bucks County was reversed by the court and instructed to open up extra days because they...

Read more

'Lying Liz'? Did Donald Trump call for L…

01-11-2024

Sample Image

"This is how dictators destroy free nations. They threaten those who speak against them with death. We cannot entrust our country and our freedom to a petty, vindictive, cruel, unstable...

Read more

Three dead, three injured in Halloween h…

01-11-2024

Sample Image

A tragic Halloween house party in Northglenn, Denver, ended in gunfire, killing three and injuring three others just past midnight. Police found one deceased victim at the scene, while two...

Read more

Mark Cuban clarifies 'intelligent women…

01-11-2024

Sample Image

Mark Cuban clarified that he knows many strong, intelligent women voting for Trump "including in my extended family". "I'm certainly not saying female voters are not smart, strong and intelligent...

Read more

Gay Trump supporter explains why Trump h…

01-11-2024

Sample Image

Ohio Senator JD Vance, on Joe Rogan's podcast, discussed LGBTQ+ rights, focusing on medical interventions for gender transitions. Vance and Rogan questioned the support for early gender transition policies. Trump’s...

Read more

Headlines

Priyanka Gandhi

OMAR ABDULLAH:

YouTubeBox _A

NRI News:

Currency Rates

S5 Instagram Feed

YouTubeBox _K

World COVID-19

Poll:

Who will win 2024 General Election in India?