They shot at her European Commission launches Ankara on the occasion of the Commission’s report on Turkey.

In particular, the Turkish Foreign Ministry speaks of “another example of EU bias. v. Turkey” and emphasizes that “the sections of the report on the issues of the Eastern Mediterranean, the Aegean Sea and Cyprus, as always, reflect the illegal and maximalist views of the Greece/Greek Cypriot duo and ignore the Turkish Cypriots.”

In addition, Ankara urges the EU to consider Turkey “as a candidate country for negotiations” and not “as a third country that will knock on its door when necessary.”

Turkish Foreign Ministry statement

“The Turkey Report 2022, published today by the Commission of the European Union (EU), once again reveals the EU’s approach. in our country, which is far from its strategic point of view and has no vision. This report, which ignores accountability to candidate country Turkey and demonstrates a double standard approach, is yet another example of EU bias. against Turkey.

Although the importance of joint action and cooperation to solve common problems was emphasized at the first meeting of the European Political Community, held on October 6 with the participation of our President, it is regrettable that this spirit of solidarity was not reflected in the Report on Turkey. . We do not accept baseless claims and unfair criticism, especially in relation to political criteria and the chapter on “Justice and Fundamental Rights”. We completely reject the EU’s unfair claims against our political system, our politicians and rulers, fundamental rights and freedoms in our country, certain judicial decisions and our fight against terrorism and do not remove political obstacles in the negotiations.

The fact that the sections of the report on Eastern Mediterranean, Aegean and Cyprus, as always, reflect the illegal and maximalist views of the Greece/Greek Cypriot duo and ignore the Turkish Cypriots as well as the views of our country. and TRNC ᾽᾽, clearly shows for which interests the report was written.

We remind you once again that the EE is not an international judicial body for determining areas of maritime jurisdiction. Such actions are contrary to both his own legislation and international law.

It is also strange that in the report our country is criticized for non-participation in the sanctions imposed by the EU. in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war, although it does not have any obligations. We emphasize once again that the export of grain from Ukraine and the exchange of prisoners between the warring parties can take place only thanks to the principled approach of Turkey.

Given the current geopolitical challenges, the EU should consider Turkey as a negotiating candidate, not as a third country to knock on its door when necessary, and should comply with the requirements of the principle of loyalty to the pact. Reports by E.E. they will only be taken seriously when this approach is adopted.”

Press release on the European Commission Turkey Country Report 2022 https://t.co/JkLgp5OohP pic.twitter.com/kDs8BHjjZV

— Turkish Foreign Ministry (@MFATurkiye) October 12, 2022

EU “Red Card” in Turkey for overflights and threats against Greece, Cyprus

Recall that the text of E.E. contains clear references to Turkey and its relation to Greece and the Republic of Cyprus. There is a clear reference to flights over the Greek islands, direct rhetorical threats to Greek sovereignty, while indicating that the EU. “has a strategic interest in developing cooperation and mutually beneficial relations with Turkey”, but again calls to avoid any threat that could damage good neighborly relations.

In particular, among other things, it states: “After some positive developments in 2021, relations with the EU deteriorated in the first half of 2022 due to repeated violations of Greek airspace by Turkish fighters in the Aegean Sea and Turkish threatening statements regarding the sovereignty of the Greek islands and against Cyprus. In addition, Turkey continued to conduct military exercises in the maritime zone of Cyprus, and Turkish warships illegally obstructed research activities in the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Despite international condemnation, Turkey went ahead with its plan to reopen the closed region of Varosia. Tensions in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean have not contributed to good neighborly relations and undermined regional stability and security.”

It is recalled that “the EU, most recently at the European Council in June 2022, has repeatedly called on Turkey to avoid any threat, create any source of friction or take any action that is detrimental to good neighborly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes.”

There are also very serious objections to the internal situation in Turkey. It is noted, in particular, that in recent years, “the Turkish government has not reversed the negative trend towards reforms, despite repeated commitments to join the EU.”

“Serious concerns of the EU. about the continued deterioration of democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights and the independence of the judiciary were not considered. In many areas there has been a further setback. Concerns about economic governance and the proper functioning of a market economy have intensified,” the ministry added.

M. Shinas: The way to sanctions in Turkey is open

“An important step for Europe. This opens the way for the imposition of sanctions against Turkey.” With this phrase, Vice-President of the Commission Margaritis Schinas referred to the EU report at a meeting he held in Brussels with the regional governor of Thessaly Kostas Agorastos.

Enlargement Commissioner: Turkey will respect the sovereignty of all member states

Turkey must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all EU member states, said Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Oliver Varelli, addressing the European Parliament on the report of the Commission.

“Despite the EU proposal. to engage constructively with Turkey, tensions with some Member States have risen again in 2022. In June 2022, the European Council expressed its deep concern over Turkey’s recent repeated actions and statements. He reaffirmed that Turkey must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Member States, and emphasized that the European Council expects Turkey to fully comply with international law, reduce tensions in the interests of regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, promote good neighborly relations in a sustainable way,” stressed Mr. Vareli.