Greek PM hails EU ‘message’ to Turkey
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Friday Greece was “absolutely satisfied” with the conclusions of an EU summit in Brussels, adding that Turkey had received a clear warning over its “aggressive behavior.”
“The European Union sent yesterday a message of unity, solidarity and determination. It made clear with absolute certainty that the cessation of any unilateral action is a precondition for improvement of the relations between the European Union and Turkey, and this is something we all desire,” Mitsotakis said as European leaders met for a second day Friday.
“It also made abundantly clear the consequences that will occur should Turkey continue its aggressive behavior,” the Greek premier said.
“Greece is absolutely satisfied by the results of the summit and we are looking forward to the resumption, as soon as possible, of the exploratory talks, to which both sides have committed themselves,” he said.
European Council conclusions
According to the text of the conclusions, the European Council reiterated its full solidarity with Greece and Cyprus, “whose sovereignty and sovereign rights must be respected.” EU leaders stressed that the EU has “a strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the development of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey.”
“Pursuing dialogue in good faith and abstaining from unilateral actions which run counter to the EU interests and violate international law and the sovereign rights of EU member states is an absolute requirement in this regard. All differences must be resolved through peaceful dialogue and in accordance with international law,” the text said.
EU leaders welcomed the recent confidence-building steps by Greece and Turkey and the announcement that they will resume their exploratory talks. Furthermore, they strongly condemned violations of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and called on Turkey to accept the invitation by Cyprus to engage in dialogue.
Provided constructive efforts to stop illegal activities vis-a-vis Greece and Cyprus are sustained, the European Council has agreed to launch a positive political EU-Turkey agenda.
