Belgium: Sanctions a possibility over Turkey's Cyprus drilling - German Minister of State for Europe

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Cabinet ministers of the German and Austrian governments commented on Turkish drilling in what they regard as Cyprus's territorial waters while speaking to press before an EU foreign ministers' summit in Brussels on Monday.

"The provocations of Turkey is unacceptable for all of us and we are standing on Cyprus’s side here. We have now found a properly balanced language which keeps all options open, obviously including the sanctions as well," said German Minister of State for Europe Michael Roth, adding "all these questions must be clarified under the auspices of the United Nations and our goal remains as before, which is a peaceful reunification of all Cyprus."

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg also commented, saying "we stand behind Cyprus. This is only reasonable since we have never officially recognized the Turkish occupation in Northern Cyprus. It is only natural for Cyprus to want to have the last say on their own natural resources. We will decide about several measures against Turkey, among which are less money, less loans from EIB, suspension of agreements regarding air traffic, and of course more sanctions are also possible."

According to reports, Turkey claims that certain offshore zones fall within the jurisdiction of Turkish Cypriots, who reside in the north of the divided island. Ankara reportedly claimed that it would continue its drilling if Cypriot authorities do not accept a cooperation proposal submitted by Turkish Cypriots.

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