Anastasiadis: Veto on EU-Turkey customs connection if Ankara does not meet its obligations

Anastasiadis: Veto on EU-Turkey customs connection if Ankara does not meet its obligations

“I have made it clear and there is no question of withdrawal”

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Anastasiadis, spoke to ERT about his recent trip to Greece, the Euro-Turkish, the management of the Pandemic, as well as his vision for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

“I feel very proud of what I attended, of the organization and of the events, on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution. The second, equally important in the light of the current situation, is the determination once again of the determination of both the Greek and the Cypriot Government to have a very close cooperation, as deleted after ’74, that is, the respective governments, regardless of ideological color. , to consider or put above and above all the Cyprus issue and what we are watching now with the violations of Turkey in the Aegean, as issues of major national importance.

And therefore, a perfect cooperation between us that is achieved through the synchronization of actions, actions, interventions, etc. Therefore, I express my absolute satisfaction for the excellent level of cooperation observed between the governments of Cyprus and Greece “, said Mr. Anastasiadis to add :

“Whether we like it or not, any hostile actions against either Greece or Cyprus have one thing in common: Aggression, violation of international law and therefore there is a coincidence of positions on defending the rights of two sovereign independent states. The same would happen if one of the other cooperating states faced the same phenomena. However, what particularly characterizes the problems that Greece and Cyprus are facing today is – if you will – the always close relations between the two countries and therefore it is not a matter of separation or a common doctrine, it is a matter of common positions: How to deal with Turkish provocation.

Because if he succeeds in one of the two he seeks, he will definitely be to the detriment of the interests of the other country, because in this way he will be encouraged and will react accordingly, claiming and violating International Law, or territories. , or marine areas that do not belong to it. “Therefore there is and this is important, the common challenge, in two states, which are maintained by eternal ties, which do not cease to be independent states, but also where they continue to have common perceptions and common interests regarding Turkey’s delinquent behavior.”

Nikos Anastasiadis answers whether in his opinion the transfer of European officials to Turkey will bring positive results.

“I will not disagree much, hence the initiatives we have taken with the Greek Prime Minister, putting in the last two years in every European Council the delinquency and the violation of International Law by Turkey. The doctrine of solidarity that prevails between European countries does not allow indifference on the part of Europe. The delinquent behaviors of Turkey are ascertained, the intense violation of the International Law is ascertained either with the drillings in Cyprus, or with the violations of the Greek EEZ, or even what is testified about Famagusta.

So what we have sought is to pique the interest and despite the interests of EU member states that are dependent on the Turkish economy, it has been possible to at least meet the basic conditions or prerequisites for a positive so-called agenda, ie a positive outlook. to improve relations between Europe and Turkey, to go beyond the non-violation of the sovereign rights of Greece or the non-repetition of delinquent attitudes towards Cyprus.

Needless to say, there are definitely countries that, either because of their war industry or because of their exposure of the banking system to the Turkish economy, would not, in view of the country’s poor economic situation, want to create another problem that would further aggravate the already poor state of the Turkish economy. It is also the interests through the exports of industrial products. “Thus, we see that three of the major countries have strong positions regarding the non-imposition of sanctions against Turkey for its delinquent behavior.”

When asked if he has raised the issue in these countries, he replied: “Certainly. Both he and the Greek Prime Minister have the verbal support, what is missing is the practical support. During the recent teleconference with the President of the European Council Charles Michel, we made it clear that we are interested in improving relations with Turkey – that would be ideal – but on the condition that it does not repeat what seems to be happening at the moment: non-repetition, the absence of Turkish ships, provocative actions and so on. “This should be seen as lasting and not temporary for the sake of the goal pursued, ie to reach a decision to discuss issues concerning Turkey and the European Union, such as the customs union and the liberalization of passports.”

The President of the Republic of Cyprus will not hesitate to veto the European Union-Turkey customs connection if the latter does not comply with its obligations to the Member States.

“I have made it clear to Charles Michel, as well as to Ursula von der Leyen, that if and when Turkey does not fulfill its obligations to all EU states, they cannot qualify for our agreement. We will be opposed, therefore both the European partners and Turkey should take seriously the fact that Turkey ‘s behavior, the non – recognition of the Republic of Cyprus or its obligations to the whole of the states cannot continue. I have made this clear and there is no question of withdrawal. ” “So you are talking about a veto if Turkey does not meet its obligations?” he was asked and answered: “Without a doubt”.