Political and diplomatic measures are highlighted in the first year by the "choices" presented by the European External Action Service and the Commission to the 28 member states, regarding Turkey's illegal activities, in the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus. "FILELEFTHEROS" took note of the proposed measures, which include suggestions for the suspension of the EU-Turkey Aviation Agreement and for the freezing of high-level political dialogues, as well as pre-accession funds.
As for the "targeted measures", ie the sanctions, they are referred to a later point in time, but have been outlined with a substantial addition that was included in the text after the intervention of the offices of Federica Mogherini and Christos Stylianidis.
The approval of the measures proposed as follows, requires a unanimous decision of the "28", something that Nicosia looks forward to, within the next 10 days:
- To freeze high-level dialogues and meetings in the fields of "politics, economy, energy, transport, agriculture (s.s. as revealed by" F "the dialogue on agriculture froze in advance) and the Association Council". Suspension of the EU-Turkey Association Committee scheduled for next November. It is noted that the 28 member states have the option to choose in which sectors they want to place EU-Turkey contacts in the fridge and in which not.
- With regard to the freezing of funds, the EEAS-Commission proposal recalls that the Commission's proposal for a reduction of pre-accession assistance to Turkey by EUR 145,8 million for 2020 is pending before the Council and the European Parliament (due to the overthrow of the rule of law). rights in Turkey). It becomes clear that through this reminder, the proposal for a freeze of 145,8 million euros is "updated" and therefore returns, in the light of the illegal Turkish activities.
- At the same time, the EEAS and the Commission "call" on the European Investment Bank "to consider the existing lending actions to Turkey".
- It also proposes "suspension of the EU-Turkey Aviation Agreement", which is expected to cause significant financial costs to Ankara.
The proposal of the EEAS and the Commission was initially absent from the list of "options" for targeted measures, ie for sanctions. Suffice it to say that in relation to the targeted measures, "the Commission is ready to present options at some point in time that the Council deems appropriate". In other words, it is clear from the Commission's proposal and reflection that at this stage some Member States in the Council (see another column) are not ready to put forward a list of targeted measures, despite the Turkish invasion of the EEZ;
However, as "F" is aware, a last-minute addition, following the intervention of the offices of Federica Mogherini and Christos Stylianidis, keeps Nicosia's expectations alive. The High Representative and the Cypriot Commissioner, with the addition they submitted, give direction for the framework of the targeted measures, "when the Council (ie the Member States) deems it necessary".
As a result, it is typically noted that these targeted measures "could include":
a. Sanctions against persons.
b. Sanctions against entities.
c. Ή sectoral sanctions, most likely aimed at in-depth offshore hydrocarbon exploration and production.
This addition creates a clear framework for the course of the talks, if and when Turkey further escalates its illegal actions. In this sense, it keeps open the prospect of targeted measures, saving the lot for Nicosia, which, in order to win it, will have to secure the unanimous approval of targeted measures by the 28 Member States, which currently and Given the stance of Britain and other countries, including Germany, this is not an easy task.
They do not want sanctions
Several Member States, which are prone to British argumentation, are reluctant to impose targeted measures against Turkey, as defined by the positive addition of Mogherini-Stylianidis to the EEAS-Commission recommendations. In the context of its argument, Britain argues that Turkey's actions "in the eastern Mediterranean and not in the Cypriot EEZ" (which is known to have turned gray), should not lead the EU. in measures, but in a diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions in order to end the "unfortunate conflict", as London provocatively characterizes the Turkish invasion of the Cypriot EEZ. Germany also appears to be hesitant to take targeted action against Turkey, at least for the time being, while "some member states" have intervened with EU Commissioners. calling for the proposed measures against Ankara to move in "shallow waters".
Diplomacy and the Cyprus issue
The EEAS-Commission proposals to the "28", a total of two pages, also state that possible measures in response to Turkish illegal activities do not exclude the ongoing activity and diplomatic efforts by the EU High Representative. In order to avoid escalation and, ultimately, to encourage sustainable solutions "to issues in the eastern Mediterranean", in accordance with international law and the principles of good neighborly relations, and taking into account the framework of the settlement process under the UN (!).
July is the target
According to information from "F", the EEAS - Commission proposals for measures to be taken for the illegal actions of Turkey are expected to be discussed in the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER). Nicosia aims to secure a strong decision to implement measures against Turkey before the end of July. This opportunity is provided through the Foreign Affairs Councils on July 15 and General Affairs on the 18th of this month, where Nicosia will be represented by Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulidis.
Performances to Ankara from Paris and Cairo
Reactions to the new Turkish provocation in the sea area of the Republic of Cyprus have intensified. Paris, Cairo and London have expressed opposition to Turkish action.
Paris calls on Turkey to refrain from any action in the Cypriot EEZ, which is against the law and endangers regional stability. A statement from the French Foreign Ministry said that Turkey has announced new drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, including areas within the exclusive economic zone of the Republic of Cyprus. In this context, he added, France recalls its strong commitment to respect for the law of the sea and its solidarity with Cyprus, whose sovereignty should be respected, as EU High Representative Federica Mogherini has just recalled.
Egypt has expressed its concern. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry says that "the Turkish stance underscores Ankara's determination to continue its unilateral measures that will escalate the situation in the eastern Mediterranean." Egypt underlines the need not to escalate the situation and to respect the rules of international law.
Britain expresses its opposition to Turkish drilling off the coast of Cyprus, noting that London's priority is to de-escalate and resolve such disputes through dialogue. Asked by KYPE to comment on the violations of the Turkish cruise ship "Yavouz" in the Cypriot EEZ, a representative of the British High Commission in Cyprus stated that the United Kingdom has repeatedly expressed its opposition to the Turkish drilling plans this includes drilling off the northeast coast of Cyprus. "Our priority is to see the situation escalate."
Source: Philenews / Pavlos Xanthoulis, Brussels