The European Union’s (EU) adoption of the sanction list against Turkey on
27 February which includes the names of two Turkish Petroleum officials is
a new example of its biased and unlawful attitude under the pretext of
union solidarity.
The sanction which was announced according to the EU decision of 11
November 2019 has no value for us and it is null and void.
This unfair policy against Turkey’s and Turkish Cypriots’ legitimate rights
contradicts both the international law and the EU acquis.
Whatever decision it takes, it is a futile effort for the EU to dictate the
Greek-Greek Cypriot duo’s maximalist maritime boundary claims on Turkey.
The EU cannot act as an international court. It cannot portray undelimited
and disputed maritime jurisdiction areas as final maritime boundaries.
It is most unfortunate to see that the EU still keeps ignoring the rights
of Turkey and Turkish Cypriots and has become the hostage of Greek-Greek
Cypriot duo’s maximalist claims and policies. The EU should have rather
supported dialogue and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The sanction decision will not affect Turkey’s determination to protect its
own rights and that of Turkish Cypriots’ in the Eastern Mediterranean. On
the contrary, it will further strengthen our resolve.