European Commission calls on Turkey to stop aggressive stance towards Cyprus

Spokesperson says Turkey must fully commit itself to building good neighbourly relations

The European Commission called on Turkey to refrain from resorting to threats and aggressive behaviour towards Cyprus over its territorial disputes. The Deputy Chief spokesperson of the EC, Mina Andreeva stated on Monday: “Turkey must fully commit itself to building good neighbourly relations and to avoid any source of tensions, threats or actions aimed at EU Member States that affect good neighbourly relations and peaceful settlement of disputes.” The Commission’s statements come on the heels of the European Parliament’s condemnation of Turkey last week, where MEPs proposed the country’s pre-accession financial aid be dependent on improving its human rights record at home by stopping the persecution of political opponents and dissenting voices, as well as abroad, with the cessation of hostilities in Afrin.