European Commission for Developments in Varos: "We are watching with great concern"

"No comment" from the European Commission on the statements of Turkish President Erdogan who personally attacked the Greek Prime Minister.

Asked to comment on the incident, Commission spokeswoman Dana Spinna said: "In general, we promote and encourage good co-operation between leaders, especially between Greece and Turkey, and we hope that the positive climate will return and be reflected in statements and actions in the region ".

On the latest developments in Varos, a Commission spokesman said: "We are following them with great concern." He recalled that the Turkish government, as well as the "leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community" are well aware of the EU's position on Varos. "We continue to be guided by the relevant UN security resolutions, according to which any attempt to settle in any part of the city, by non-residents, is unacceptable. No action should be taken in Varos, which is incompatible with these resolutions. The opening of new sections of the beach, or the preparation for the summer season, as reported by the media, is another step in the wrong direction ", stressed the representative of the Commission. He added that the EU emphasized, as it had in the past, the need to avoid unilateral actions in violation of international law, as well as new challenges that could create tensions on the island and derail ongoing efforts to find common ground for the settlement of the Cyprus problem, in accordance with the UN security resolutions.

Finally, on the economic "protocol" signed between Turkey and the pseudo-state, the Commission said: "Freedom of expression and the press are fundamental foundations of democracy and the rule of law and the use of criminal law as a means of pressure in critical voices it is unacceptable ".