boomerang wrote:The most recent criticism of Turkey came from the EU High Commissioner Stefan Fule on Tuesday who said during a session of the European Parliament that Turkey’s policy toward Greek Cyprus’ gas exploration plans in the East Mediterranean is “irresponsible” and to be condemned.
Turkish frigates are not directly escorting the research vessel but are sailing in the region, ready to intervene if the Piri Reis is harassed, the Turkish Foreign Ministry official said. “We already had some armed ships in the region patrolling in international waters. What we are doing now [since the Greek Cypriots began drilling] is increasing their visibility.”
“[Turkey’s policy] is irresponsible and needs to be condemned,” Fule said during the parliamentary session, which was discussing tensions between Turkey and Greek Cyprus. Greek Cyprus has the right to search for natural resources within its Exclusive Economic Zone, or EEZ, and can conclude agreements with third countries for hydrocarbon exploration, he said.
Noting that the EU was following the issue very closely, Fule said: “The high representative and I made it very clear right from the start that threats are not an option when it comes to solving problems between neighbors. Disputes need to be settled by peaceful means. This is a guiding principle in international relations and in the EU.”
The European Commission believes reaching a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus issue is a priority, Fule also said.
“We all acknowledge the most important issue right now is the Cyprus settlement talks. A united Cyprus would bring peace stability and security within the EU, in our close neighborhood and one of the most troubled regions in the world,” Fule said. “I believe Turkey and the EU have much more to gain from integration and dialogue than tension, especially at a time when the stakes in the region following the Arab Spring are so high. Turkey and the EU need to support the aspirations of the people in the southern Mediterranean region in terms of democracy, human rights, stability and prosperity.”
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=turkey-snubs-eu-us-calls-for-cyprus-thaw-2011-09-28
I am not sure who is reporting what but fule seems to be saying otherwise to turkish aggressions...but sure as hell he is spelling out to the turks the future acceptable cyprob solution...i think we can conclude the EU is not interested to what turkey sees as a solution...the north belongs to the EU and they have set the rules for all EU territtory...
Here's the full speech boomerang.
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAct ... anguage=en
And here's the trap within it:
"The European Union is based on a number of core principles and values, including good neighbourly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes, resorting, if necessary, to international arbitration. We are and remain committed to this approach, which is the best guarantee for peace and stability.
Be assured that both High Representative Catherine Ashton and I made all these points very clearly in our recent contacts with all our interlocutors. "
The media here reported that the Turks in Turkey were having a "panayiri" after this specific statement from Fule.
May I remind you that Stefan Fule was the one who machinated the direct trade proposals behind our backs some time ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksu823S0K48
