EU threatens Turkey with the "guillotine of sanctions": the tension must be reduced

The European Union considered that the unilateral steps taken by Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean increase the tension, adding that "our position is unified regarding the request of Turkey to stop its unilateral actions."

Earlier, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas stated that his country would not accept destabilizing the eastern Mediterranean region, adding that there is an opportunity to reach a solution to this crisis before the twenty-fourth of next month, which is the date scheduled for the European summit to discuss imposing sanctions on Turkey because of its activities in Eastern Mediterranean.

On Friday, the European Union’s High Representative revealed that the European Union will consider imposing sanctions on Turkey over its conflict in the Eastern Mediterranean with Greece and Cyprus, warning of the possibility of discussing further "restrictive measures" against Turkey at the upcoming European Council summit in September.

He added: "We include the characters, we can go to the list of assets, ships, and we can pass the penalty for participation in activities that we consider illegal, and this means everything related to work in these types of activities, and to prevent and prohibit the use of European boats and European capabilities and technologies."

In the same context, a senior diplomat in the Union said, on condition of anonymity, "as there are (sanctions) stick, there will be a carrot to make Turkey seriously engage in dialogue. These carrots may be progress at the level of a new customs union and more funds for the refugee program."

It is reported that tensions have escalated in recent weeks between Greece and Turkey, as the race continues over gas and oil reserves in the disputed eastern Mediterranean region, prompting the two countries to approach a possible military confrontation.

J.O