«No comment» from the European Commission for the Statements by Turkish President Erdogan, who personally attacked the Greek Prime Minister yesterday, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
When asked to comment on the matter, the Commission spokesperson, Dana Spinan, simply replied that «in general, we promote and encourage good cooperation among leaders, particularly between the Greece and of Turkey, », and we hope that the positive atmosphere will return and be reflected in statements and actions in the region.".
Furthermore, regarding the latest developments in Varosia, a Commission spokesperson stated that «we are monitoring them with great concern.» He recalled that the Turkish government, as well as the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community, are well aware of the EU’s position on Varosia. «We continue to be guided by the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, according to which any attempt by non-residents to settle in any part of the city is unacceptable. No action should be taken in Varosha that is not in line with these resolutions. »Opening new sections of the beach or preparing for the summer season, as reported by the media, is yet another step in the wrong direction,” the Commission spokesperson emphasized. He also added that the EU underscores, as it has done in the past, the need to avoid unilateral actions that violate international law, as well as new provocations that could create tensions on the island and derail ongoing efforts to find common ground for a resolution of the Cyprus issue, in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Finally, regarding the economic «protocol» signed between Turkey and the pseudo-state, the Commission stated that «freedom of expression and of the press are fundamental pillars of democracy and the rule of law, and the use of criminal law as a means of exerting pressure on critical voices is unacceptable.».
