French president, Emmanuel Macron has called for the EU to impose sanctions on Turkey for its actions in Libya and its violation of Greek and Cypriot sovereignty. He has also said that the security of Europe cannot be left solely to those countries themselves.
Turkey has been accused of arming militants in Libya and, in recent weeks, has been making moves towards drilling for oil and gas in both Greek and Cypriot waters, a violation of their territory and in complete violation of international law.
Macron, standing alongside the Cypriot Prime Minister, said:
"I stand fully behind Cyprus and Greece in the face of the Turkish violations of their sovereignty. It is unacceptable that the maritime space of (EU) member states be violated and threatened. Those who are doing that must be sanctioned."
He also said it would be a serious mistake for the European union not to stand up against Turkey should it continue its expansionist policies.
Ibrahim Kalın, an adviser to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, hit back by saying:
"Using the language of threats of sanctions will never fly here and will have no impact on Turkey's sovereignty or determination in pursuing the national interest."
On July 13th, European Ministers began drawing up a list of sanctions against Turkey, but they have yet to be finalised or put into practice. Turkey recently invaded Northern Syria, in clear breach of international law, and documents unearthed recently show that Turkey had even drawn up plans for a full scale invasion of both Greece and Armenia.
Turkey has come under continued criticism for both its domestic and foreign policy under Erdogan and his move towards dictatorial powers and towards ending secularism in Turkey. Turkey now has more journalists imprisoned than any other country in the world, and it is now seeking to expand its influence abroad.
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