Macron: EU Gave Turkey Opportunity But It Keeps Unilateral Attitude

French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed, Friday, that the European Union gave Turkey an opportunity to change its attitude, but it continued its unilateral measures in the eastern Mediterranean, according to Reuters.

Macron stated that they gave Turkey an opportunity last October; however, it went on with its provocation.

Macron mentioned that the sanctions, which EU is preparing over Turkish gas drilling prove that EU will no longer accept destabilizing actions in its orbit, noting that EU remained open to dialog with Turkey, after a EU summit in Brussels.

He hoped Britain and the EU could find a deal on their future relationship, in a way that would respect both sides and preserve European interests.

[embed]https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1337112011856109576?s=08[/embed]

A reporter asked the French president whether the European Commission’s proposal for a one-year contingency plan on fishing during which EU fishermen would keep access to British waters, in which the French president replied  that it is like “having your cake and eating it”.

“I’m not asking to have my cake and eat it, no. All I want is a cake that’s worth its weight. Because I won’t give up my share of it either,” he told a news conference in Brussels

In the same vein, Turkey's Foreign Ministry called on the EU to act "with principles, strategically and with reason" when it comes to the eastern Mediterranean dispute.

The ministry issued a statement, this Friday morning, stating that a proposed conference with all eastern Mediterranean countries was an opportunity to tackle maritime issues in the region, adding that Ankara was ready for talks with Greece without any pre-conditions.

“The situation is harming the joint interests of Turkey and the EU as well as our region’s peace, security and stability,” the ministry said. “The EU should take up the role of an honest mediator, it must act in a principled, strategic and sensible manner.”