EU`s message for de-escalation and dialog, including a precise timeline in order to avoid restrictive measures, is very clear towards Turkey, European Commission and EEAS Spokesman Peter Stano stated in relation to the extension of the Turkish exploration near Castellorizo, Greece. Peter Stano recalled the Gymnich informal conclusions warning Turkey with sanctions if dialog does not prevail till the 24th of September.
Invited by CNA to comment on the new NAVTEX by Turkey and to provide possible indications for de-escalation not visible in public domain, Peter Stano noted that, “you are right, not everything is taking place only in the public domain, there are a lot of other activities which might not be so visible at this moment”.
“What is very clear is the message of the EU, that remains the same, were the conclusions of the discussions of the Foreign Ministers of the EU in their informal meeting in Berlin last week. So the EU through their words, was very clear to its solidarity with Cyprus and Greece and was very clear in terms of what we expect from Turkey in order to defuse and de-escalate the situation and the Ministers were also very clear in the timeline – till when we expect the change in its behavior – as they were clear about the consequences if there will be no change in its behavior and there is no de-escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean. So, the message is clear, the timeline is clear and also the measures are clear, and we hope this is being taken into account by our Turkish partners and friends and they will start to act accordingly so we do not have to proceed through the alternative path of restrictive measures, but we proceed with dialog and the effort to de-escalate through negotiations and direct talks”, Peter Stano stated.
Called to further elaborate on the new NAVTEX, the Spokesman said that “the Turkish partners got a very clear message from the EU in form of the outcome of the informal discussions. I think that the message was quite clear, quite loud, was publicized, was conveyed during the phone call you mentioned. And without me elaborating in the exchanges during the phone call between HRVP and the Turkish Minister, I would reiterate what I have already said, the message, the expectation, the timeline and the consequences have been very clearly formulated by the EU and we expect from Turkey to act in a way to contribute to de-escalation and not the opposite.”
Finally invited to comment on the movements of the French aircraft carrier in the Eastern Mediterranean, Peter Stano said: “I am not sure if you are referring to a possible escalation related to a movement of NATO ship movements in the Eastern Med, but generally what happens in the East Med is; the situation is not good, the EU members were very clear about the need to deescalate that would change the current course of events. Repeating the message, also the HRVP was very clear that what needs to be done now is to sit down with Turkey and try to find solutions and de-escalation in the dialogue. This is the most important thing and this is where all the efforts should be focused by all the participating partners.”