The European Union emphasized that an end to the provocations and unilateral actions by Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean was a basic precondition for starting dialogue on the escalating tensions between Greece and Turkey in the region.
European institutions and countries have reiterated their support for Greece and Cyprus, in the face of Turkish actions in the region. Regarding Turkey’s request for mediation from Switzerland in resolving the conflict with Greece, Peter Stano, the spokesperson for the EU’s High Representative for Security, conservatively stressed that “the matter remains between the two conflicting parties (Greece and Turkey).”
Stano pointed out that there are many initiatives, statements, and proposals, as Brussels attaches importance to facts. Its priority is to see sincere dialogue between the parties involved. He did not answer a question regarding whether Brussels sees any desire in Turkey to initiate the dialogue. “Concerned parties have to ask themselves this question. On our part, we have clear expectations and positions,” Stano said.
At the end of September, discussions regarding Turkey will resume at the EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels.