​​​​​​​Europe: Erdogan's statements fuel tension, widen gap between Turkey, EU

Borrell said that Turkey's statements regarding Cyprus "escalate tensions with the bloc," stressing that Ankara must realize that its behavior "widens the gap" between it and the European Union.

Josep Borrell referred to statements made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in which he called for a solution to establish two equal "states" in Cyprus, during his visit this week to the northern part of the island that is administered by Turkish Cypriots.

Borrell said in a press conference after a meeting with the foreign ministers of the bloc's countries: "We consider the recent actions taken by Turkey and its statements regarding Cyprus inconsistent with United Nations resolutions, fueling tension even more," according to Reuters.

He continued: "We consider that it is important for Turkey to realize that its behavior widens the gap that separates it from the European Union ... In order to return to a positive atmosphere, as we hope, it will require a radical change in the direction pursued by the Turkish side."

The European Union threatened to impose sanctions on Turkey at a meeting of leaders of the bloc next month due to the illegal excavation it is carrying out in the eastern Mediterranean.

D.H