Turkey says EU sanctions plan ‘biased, unlawful’

Turkey on Friday dismissed as “biased” and “unlawful” an EU transfer to attract up an inventory of Turkish targets for sanctions in response to Ankara’s drilling actions within the Mediterranean.

Turkey is at loggerheads with EU members Greece and Cyprus over vitality assets within the jap Mediterranean.

Ankara has been difficult Athens over maritime territory within the area by repeatedly sending a fuel exploration vessel into disputed waters.

“We reject the biased and unlawful attitude which had to be inserted into the December 10 EU summit conclusions after the pressure of solidarity and veto,” the Foreign Ministry mentioned in a press release.

After the marathon summit on Thursday, the bloc determined to attract up an inventory of Turkish targets for sanctions.

France, Greece, and Cyprus are pushing for motion towards Turkey, however different EU nations together with Germany, Italy and Poland oppose slapping broad sanctions or an embargo on a fellow NATO member.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan mentioned some “countries in the EU with common sense displayed a positive approach and foiled this game,” talking to reporters in Istanbul.

“There is an expectation now to negotiate (any measures) at the March summit (of the EU). Let me put it clearly, it is not possible that anything will emerge” from this assembly, he mentioned.

“There are a lot of rights that should be given to Turkey by the EU countries from visa liberalisation to the customs exemption. I hope this process will be finalised in a fair manner,” he added.

“The council adopted sanctions in the face of Turkey’s ‘unilateral actions and provocations’,” French European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune tweeted.