EU threatens Turkey with sanctions in the Cyprus conflict

The Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus wants to repopulate parts of the coastal settlement of Varosha and is calling for a two-state solution.

This is not only met with protest in the Greek south of the island.

Brussels - The European Union is threatening Turkey with sanctions over the recent escalation of the Cyprus conflict.

As the EU Foreign Affairs Representative Josep Borrell announced on Tuesday on behalf of the 27 member states, the government in Ankara is being asked to reverse all actions that conflict with the resolution of the United Nations Security Council. If this does not happen, the next meeting of EU foreign ministers should discuss EU measures.

"The European Union strongly condemns the unilateral steps taken by Turkey and the unacceptable announcements made by the Turkish President and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community on July 20, 2021 to further reopen the separated city of Varosha," the EU statement said.

The EU continues to orient itself on the relevant resolutions of the Security Council on Varosha, which called for the area to be transferred to the administration of the United Nations.

Last Tuesday, Northern Cyprus - the part of the island occupied by the Turks since 1974 - announced that it would repopulate parts of the abandoned coastal settlement of Varosha.

The UN Security Council condemned this move on Friday.

For decades, however, UN representatives have failed to negotiate how to overcome the division of Cyprus.

The island has been divided since 1974 after a Greek coup and a Turkish military intervention.

In the north there is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is only recognized by Turkey.

The Republic of Cyprus, which has been a member of the EU since 2004, only controls the south of the island.

Ankara sees no more chance of reunification and demands the establishment of two independent states.

In turn, neither the Greek Cypriots, the EU nor the United Nations want that.

The next meeting of EU foreign ministers is currently scheduled for September 2nd and 3rd.

It will take place in Kranj, Slovenia.

Slovenia currently holds the rotating EU Council Presidency.

dpa