Amid tensions in the eastern Mediterranean, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay reacted strongly to a recent warning by the European Union (EU) to slap Ankara with sanctions as his country prepares to conduct a military drill off the coast of Cyprus.
“It is hypocritical for the EU to call for dialogue and, simultaneously, make other plans regarding Turkey’s activities within our continental shelf in the Eastern Mediterranean,” Oktay wrote in a tweet.
“We are proficient in the language of peace and diplomacy, but do not hesitate to do the necessary thing when it comes to defending Turkey’s rights and interests. France and Greece know that better than anyone.”
2️⃣ Bizler barış ve diplomasi dilini iyi biliriz ancak mesele Türkiye’nin hak ve menfaatlerini korumaya gelince gereğini yapmakta tereddüt etmeyiz. Bunu en iyi bilenlerin başında da Fransa ve Yunanistan gelir.
— Fuat Oktay (@fuatoktay) August 29, 2020
Oktay’s comments came a day after the EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell said the bloc was preparing to impose sanctions on Turkey unless progress is made in reducing rising tensions with Greece and Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean.
