Turkish expansionism
4.10.2016
Question for written answer E-007518-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Lampros Fountoulis (NI)
In statements[1] [2] he made on Thursday, 29 September, the Turkish President directly called into question Greece’s borders and demanded a revision of the Treaty of Lausanne, as he considers that the Aegean islands are a natural extension of Turkey and, in his view, Greek sovereignty over them is at odds with the ‘current geopolitical reality.’
Moreover, on the following day, Friday, 30 September, the leader of Turkey's official Opposition stated that 16 Aegean islands were ‘under Greek occupation.’[3]
Given that Turkish claims constitute a direct challenge to the Greek-Turkish borders, which also form the EU’s external borders, and given the continuing occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, which is Member State of the Union, it is clear that accession negotiations with Turkey cannot continue and that it cannot be regarded as a partner of the Union, as this would be a hostile act against Greece.
In view of the above, will the Commission say:
- —Is it aware of these statements?
- —Is it prepared to immediately suspend accession negotiations with Turkey?
- —Will it examine the possibility of imposing sanctions against the Republic of Turkey in order to prevent further acts challenging the borders of Greece and the EU?
- [1] http://www.newsit.gr/kosmos/Erntogan-gia-ti-Synthiki-tis-Lozanis-Epizimia-gia-tin-Toyrkia-Dosame-stoys-Ellines-ta-nisia-toy-Aigaioy/661450
- [2] http://www.liberal.gr/arthro/81678/amyna--diplomatia/2016/diloseis-Erdoan-as-isonxupnisoumesin-epitelous.html
- [3] http://www.defence-point.gr/news/?p=161824