China News Agency, Brussels, November 20 (Reporter De Yongjian) European Union Foreign and Security Policy High Representative Borelli said on the 19th that as the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean region deteriorates, the differences between the EU and Turkey have widened, and bilateral relations are "positive. Towards the watershed".
The foreign ministers of EU member states held a video conference that day, and Borelli briefed the media on the conference later.
He said that the foreign ministers participating in the meeting believed that Turkey's recent actions on the Cyprus issue violated UN resolutions and aggravated tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. "Turkey must realize that its actions are expanding its differences with the EU."
Borelli said that if the EU wants to return to the desired "positive agenda", it needs to fundamentally change its attitude towards Turkey. "As time goes by, our relationship with Turkey is reaching a watershed."
Faced with the media asking whether this means that the EU is considering "sanctions on Turkey," Borelli said that his duty is not to speculate on EU decisions, but to provide references for these decisions.
He revealed that the EU high-level officials will draw up a package plan around EU-Turkey relations, focusing not only on enhancing active contacts with Turkey, but also considering actions that the EU should take if the relationship breaks down.
Borelli also pointed out that the direction of the relationship between the two sides depends on the attitude shown by Turkey, but "unfortunately, Turkey has not yet sent a positive signal", especially the recent announcement of the reopening of Varosha town in northern Cyprus is extremely negative. The foreign ministers of EU member states who attended the meeting on the 19th all expressed dissatisfaction.
In addition, Borelli introduced that the European Union will hold an international conference on the Eastern Mediterranean. At present, after listening to the opinions of invited countries, the conference has drafted a position paper on the Eastern Mediterranean.
Since this summer, Turkey has strained relations with EU member countries Greece and Cyprus.
The two countries believe that Turkey is conducting oil and gas exploration activities on the Greek continental shelf and Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone. Turkey insists that the exploration activities are carried out on its continental shelf. At the same time, it criticized the Greek maritime boundary agreement involving disputed waters in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In early October, Turkey and the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", which was only recognized by the Turkish side, announced the opening of the town of Varosha in northern Cyprus. This week Turkish President Erdogan's visit to Varosha further aroused criticism from the Cyprus government and the European Union.
Varosha used to be a resort in history, but it was abandoned after Turkey sent troops to occupy it in 1974.
According to the UN agreement, Varosha should prohibit foreigners from moving and should be transferred to UN management.
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