Turkey accused the European Union on Monday of protecting “terror elements” by criticising its military offensive against Kurdish militants in Syria.
Turkey is in the sixth day of an assault against Kurdish militants — key allies of Western powers in the battle to crush the Islamic State group in northeastern Syria — an operation condemned by European leaders.
Press Release Regarding the Conclusions Adopted by the EU Foreign Affairs Council https://t.co/6IPqjR2xsF
— Turkish MFA (@MFATurkiye) October 14, 2019
“It is unacceptable for the EU to display an approach that protects terror elements,” the foreign ministry said in a statement, shortly after the EU condemned Turkey’s operation.
Turkey does not recognise maritime agreements signed by Cyprus with other countries in the region, and says it has a right to explore for gas in the area.
“We totally reject and condemn the decisions and calls made to our country,” it added.
The EU had earlier stated that it “condemns Turkey’s military action, which seriously undermines the stability and the security of the whole region”.
The EU also opened the way to sanctions over Turkey’s controversial drilling for hydrocarbons off Cyprus.
Read more: Turkey Threatens To Cancel EU Migration Deal
“We find it unacceptable,” the Turkish foreign ministry said in response.
“Because of its unlawful and biased approach, we will seriously review our cooperation with the EU on some areas,” it warned.
The discovery of significant gas reserves around Cyprus has aggravated the political dispute around the island, which has been politically divided since a Turkish invasion in 1974.
Turkey does not recognise maritime agreements signed by Cyprus with other countries in the region, and says it has a right to explore for gas in the area.
Turkey has already threatened to send refugees to Europe in answer to sanctions.
“We will open the gates and send 3.6 million refugees your way."
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan threatens to send millions of Syrian refugees to Europe if the EU labels Turkey’s military incursion as an occupation. pic.twitter.com/07u9xiKtly
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) October 10, 2019
AFP with additional input by GVS News Desk.