Tough stances of Greek MEPs in the debate on Turkey in the Strasbourg plenary

Greek – and not only – MEPs in the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg adopted a harsh language against the aggressive rhetoric and delinquency of Turkey in the context of the discussion of the report on Turkey, which took place before the Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, O. and which is expected to be voted on tomorrow.

Nikos Androulakis, president of PASOK – Movement for Change, spoke about the unacceptable and outside the scope of International Law statements about the demilitarization of Greek islands, the provocative attitude of Ankara in the Cyprus issue, but also the systematic violation of human rights inside the country.

Mr Androulakis insisted that targeted financial sanctions against individuals and a pan-European arms embargo on Turkey were needed. “The Union must not repeat with Erdogan the mistakes it made with Putin. Anyone who challenges international law must be treated the same. Targeted financial sanctions on individuals and a pan-European arms embargo, as we have already called for in Parliament. “September 2020,” he said in closing.

ND MEP Eliza Vozemberg referred to Erdogan’s revisionist stance, blackmail against NATO, insults to the Greek prime minister, contempt for international law. In closing, he stressed that our duty is the dynamic reaction and not to observe two meters and two weights.

If we want peace and stability in the region, we need a stricter stance against Turkey, more pressure and not the logic of equal distances. We expect the same from the Commission, stressed in his speech the vice president of the EP and leader of the MEPs of SYRIZA-PS, Dimitris Papadimoulis. The vice president added that the Erdogan leadership’s aggression against Greece and Cyprus further alienates it from democracy, international law and the EU, making it a destabilizing factor and an unreliable partner.

ND MEP Stelios Kimbouropoulos, who listed a number of violations by Ankara, spoke in favor of maintaining the frozen accession negotiations in the name of European values. “Turkey is stepping up its aggression by challenging the sovereignty of the Greek islands in the Aegean and its policy in Cyprus violates UN resolutions, destabilizes Libya and Syria, is indifferent to the devastation in Hagia Sophia and oppresses religious minorities,” he said. Kympouropoulos to conclude “The EU, respecting its values, must keep the accession negotiations frozen”.

ND MEP Anna-Michel Asimakopoulou called for “zero tolerance” for Turkey’s behavior. That was what we concluded from the Russian invasion, he said. Turkey, which is stepping on two boats, must be called upon to make a clear decision. We must not show another tolerance. Greece is doing its duty in the face of Turkish challenges and Europe must do its part in relation to Greece. “That’s enough”.

Commissioner Varcelli set the framework for Euro-Turkish relations, saying that Turkey remains a key regional partner. At the same time we can not ignore the violations of the rule of law and human rights as well as the tensions with EU Member States. The Commission will continue to work with Turkey in certain areas such as climate, immigration, health but also At the moment we will continue to raise our concerns as respect for the rule of law and human rights is the cornerstone of Euro-Turkish relations.

He made special reference to the Turkish violations against Greece, saying that the reports of overflights of Turkish fighter jets over inhabited Greek areas are a cause for concern. The questioning of Greek sovereignty is counterproductive and runs counter to de-escalation efforts in the East. Mediterranean. We expect Turkey to commit to respect for the rule of law and good neighborly relations, international agreements and to bring disputes to the International Court of Justice if necessary.

MEPs generally expressed concern about the deteriorating human rights and rule of law situation in the country.

They are also expected to welcome Turkey’s desire to act as a mediator in Russia’s war against Ukraine and to stress the importance of the EU and Turkey working together harmoniously on foreign and security policy.

MEPs also spoke negatively about the Turkish president’s opposition to Finland and Sweden joining NATO.