Turkey Sharply Criticizes EU Document Over Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus References
by Athens Bureau · Greek City TimesTurkey has strongly condemned a recent European Union document, accusing the bloc of bias and lacking a strategic or fair approach toward Ankara.
In a statement on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli said the document, published on Wednesday, ignored Turkey’s status as an EU candidate country and failed to reflect reality in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Keceli described the EU’s references regarding the Eastern Mediterranean as “baseless allegations,” claiming they demonstrated a continued “biased and distorted understanding” by the bloc.
He also noted that the document appeared to downplay Turkey’s significant role within NATO, despite the alliance recently reaffirming Ankara’s “indispensable role” at its latest summit. Keceli highlighted that the summit laid the groundwork for a “new era” in which European allies would assume greater responsibilities.
On the Cyprus Issue
Regarding Cyprus, the Turkish spokesman reiterated Ankara’s long-standing position that the Greek Cypriot side bears responsibility for the deadlock in peace negotiations. He pointed to the Greek Cypriots’ rejection of the UN-backed Annan Plan in 2004 and the failure of the 2017 Crans-Montana talks.
“We call on the EU to adopt a realistic vision and a discourse in line with the interests of both sides,” Keceli stated, urging the bloc to abandon what Turkey views as unilateral and one-sided policies.
The criticism underscores ongoing tensions between Turkey and the European Union on key regional issues.
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