ISTANBUL: Turkey drew another rebuke from the European Union on Sunday when it said its Yavuz energy drill ship would extend operations in disputed Mediterranean waters off Cyprus until mid-September.
Yavuz will be accompanied by three other Turkish ships according to a maritime notice that added “all vessels are strongly advised not to enter” the area.
A standoff has intensified in recent weeks between Turkey and EU-member Greece over oil and gas exploration rights at sea, and even involved a minor collision between their frigates last week.
Turkey’s renewed drilling plan covers a zone delineated by Cyprus and Egypt and raises tensions, said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who called for an immediate halt to Turkey’s activities and the beginning of dialogue.
“This action runs counter and undermines efforts to resume dialogue and negotiations, and to pursue immediate de-escalation,” he said in a statement.
Cairo and Athens signed a territorial zoning deal earlier this month. While Paris has stepped in to criticize what it calls Turkey’s provocations, Ankara says it will not back down from defending its legal rights.
President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday “the language of sanctions and threats” will not deter Turkey.
Turkey draws another EU rebuke for latest plans at sea
https://arab.news/9zmzh
Turkey draws another EU rebuke for latest plans at sea
- A standoff has intensified in recent weeks between Turkey and Greece over oil and gas exploration rights at sea
- President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday “the language of sanctions and threats” will not deter Turkey
Security, economic and political partnerships in the spotlight at first Jordan-EU Summit
- Event reflects international confidence in Jordan as a reliable partner in efforts to address security threats, advance peace initiatives, and expand cooperation, analysts say
- Timing is significant, expert says, given the region faces overlapping crises and threats that place security and defense cooperation at the heart of Jordanian-European relations
AMMAN: The inaugural Jordan-EU Summit underlined the depth of the country’s strategic partnership with Europe, officials and experts said, and confirmed the pivotal role Jordan plays in regional security, political stability and economic cooperation.
Analysts told the Jordan News Agency that Thursday’s summit took place at a sensitive moment for the region, but reflected international confidence in Jordan as a reliable partner in efforts to address cross-border security threats, advance peace initiatives, and expand cooperation in trade, investment and development.
Bashir Al-Dajeh, an expert in security and strategy, said the timing of the summit was significant, given the region is facing overlapping crises and transnational threats that place security and defense cooperation at the heart of Jordanian-European relations.
Jordan’s strategic location positions it on the front lines of efforts to tackle illegal migration, organized crime, drug and arms smuggling and cross-border terrorism, he added. The country has hosted more than 3.5 million refugees over the past decade without compromising its security infrastructure, he noted.
Jordan’s effective border controls were helping to curb irregular migration to Europe and disrupting the plans of extremist groups and trafficking networks, Al-Dajeh said, which was directly benefiting regional and European security.
Khaled Abu Hassan, a member of the Jordanian parliament, said the country’s foreign policy under King Abdullah had reinforced its influence, in the region and internationally, particularly its firm stance in support of the Palestinian cause and a two-state solution to the conflict with Israel.
He said the summit reaffirmed Jordan’s political influence in the shaping of regional balances and advancement of efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace. The timing of the meeting also demonstrated the resilience of the nation in managing multiple regional and domestic challenges.
Abu Hassan also highlighted the economic aspects of the summit, including the announcement of a Jordan-EU economic conference in April, as a sign of the international recognition of Jordan’s political and economic role.
Economist Mufleh Aql said the high-level summit reflected a shared desire for a broadening of cooperation to encompass politics, trade, security and renewable energy, and Jordan was well-placed to benefit from access to the EU’s large markets, technology and investment opportunities.
The country could benefit from increased exports, technology transfers and financing for major infrastructure projects in sectors such as water, transport and energy, he added, and in return offer the EU skilled human capital amid labor shortages in Europe.
EU support for Jordan’s positions on issues such as Jerusalem, regional stability, energy and migration further strengthens the partnership, Aql said. Jordan also already benefits from EU grants, concessional loans and exports of agricultural, pharmaceutical and chemical products to European markets, he noted.
