"Positive Developments" Delay European Sanctions Against Turkey

SadaNews - European Union Foreign Minister Josep Borrell announced on Monday evening that the EU continues to work on sanctions against Ankara, which were decided in December 2020, amid reports of European divisions over the feasibility of these sanctions and "positive developments" with Turkey.

Borrell noted that he took note of the willingness shown by Turkish officials and wants to "maintain this trend." He affirmed, at the conclusion of a meeting with European foreign ministers in Brussels, that "work is ongoing. The regulations are not ready yet."

He added that "the issues that soured relations between the EU and Turkey in 2020 are no longer present today." He explained that "talks between Greece and Turkey have resumed and we hope to resume talks with Cyprus by the end of February."

He stated, "We must continue in this approach to reach an agreement."

For his part, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas announced that "we did not decide to impose sanctions on Turkey today because we see that there are positive developments."

Diplomatic sources reported that the feasibility of announcing sanctions, requested by European leaders during a summit in December 2020, has caused divisions among member states and led to a meeting specifically dedicated to reaching a consensus on how to address this issue.

A diplomat, requesting anonymity, stated that "the list is ready but it would be more appropriate not to issue a statement."

Turkey and Greece have resumed communications to settle their existing disputes, particularly regarding gas exploration.

However, Athens signed a contract with France on Monday to purchase 18 "Rafale" fighter jets in response to the displays of Turkish military power in the Eastern Mediterranean. This reflects the prevailing atmosphere of distrust between Turkey and Greece after years of tension.

Since the end of December, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has intensified initiatives and sent his Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to Brussels on Thursday for talks with European institutional leaders.

They welcomed Erdoğan's steps towards de-escalation but emphasized that they expect "credible steps and sustained efforts."

They reminded Cavusoglu of the European leaders' decision to impose sanctions due to Ankara's continued illegal exploration activities in the waters of Cyprus and insisted on their "zero tolerance" policy."}