The 2019 Human Rights Annual report - Stability and Security in the Mediterranean and the negative role of Turkey - Situation in Belarus (debate)
Željana Zovko (PPE). – Mr President, coming from a Mediterranean country, I can rightly say that this cradle of European civilisation plays a crucial role for the security and well-being of all European citizens. When its security is threatened, we must react as one. We feel the menace that our European compatriots in Greece and Cyprus are facing from the provocative actions by Turkey. These actions are violating international law and creating tensions and conflicts with the European Union. In recent months, we have seen similar behaviour regarding the refugee crisis and the attacks on European borders. That time, we sent a strong message that we stand strong and united in protecting our borders.
This behaviour should stop immediately. I call for dialogue and the search for a European solution, as it is only by a dialogue that we can avoid a further escalation that history will not forgive. The Mediterranean has, without saying, the world’s most important shared heritage. We call on Turkey to take on board European values in order to find a way to build a shared future between us.