Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, declared on Thursday afternoon ”I am a Cypriot!” when asked about the Turkish provocations inside Cyprus‘ Exclusive Economic Zone.
In a his typical laconic, yet decisive way, President Juncker expressed his absolute and unconditional support of the Republic of Cyprus’ efforts to make Turkey’s illegal behavior in the region globally known.
Juncker made his remark in front of a score of cameras and journalists while he was arriving at the ”EU-27” Summit, currently taking place in Sibiu, Romania.
The EU Commission president’s latest remark comes only a few days after a series of major global powers, including the EU and the US, urged Ankara to refrain from provocative actions in the Mediterranean which could escalate tensions.
Earlier today, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said that the Turkish provocations in Cyprus’ EEZ is not a Cypriot issue but in reality “it is a matter of the European Union itself.”
Tsipras stressed that he would bring the issue forward for discussion together with President Anastasiades at today’s EU Summit.
Invited to clarify whether the nation should expect “sanctions or diplomacy,” Tsipras replied: “Diplomacy first.”
It is noted that representatives from the UK are not present at today’s EU-27 Summit, as London is still trying to find a way out of the Brexit deadlock.
With information from CNA
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