The European Union is considering imposing economic sanctions against Turkey over its gas drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, Josep Borrell, the bloc's top diplomat said, on Friday. Calling on Ankara to engage in a dialogue, the high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy, said: "We must walk a fine line between preserving a true space for dialogue and at the same time showing collective strength in the defense of our common interests." He made the remarks following an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in the German capital. Borrell, who is also the vice president of the European Commission, said that the EU wanted "to give a serious chance to dialogue ... (and) I will try to create a space for negotiations." He stressed, however, that "there is growing frustration in the face of Turkish behavior," and added that EU foreign ministers had "asked the relevant Council working groups to speed up their work in order to add individuals suggested by Cyprus to the list of the existing" sanctions. Borrell later tweeted, saying: "On the Eastern Mediterranean and Turkey, we are clear and determined in defending EU's interests and solidarity with Greece and Cyprus. We want to find paths towards a healthier relationship. It is in the mutual interest of both the EU and Turkey." The EU could hit Turkey's economy in fields where it "is more related to the European economy," Borrell said of the potential extended sanctions. "Now we are listing personalities, we can pass to list assets, ships ... prohibiting the use of European ports, of European capacities, technologies, supplies. We can [target] financial [resources] needed for this kind of considered illegal activities." Turkey is pushing to explore for gas in the Eastern Mediterranean in waters that are also claimed by Greece and Cyprus. Tensions between the two EU countries and Ankara have sharply increased in past weeks, raising concerns of a military escalation. Meanwhile, Turkey has reacted angrily to the European move with the Defense Minister Hulusi Agar saying: "We are determined to protect our rights in the eastern Mediterranean," The Turkish Foreign Ministry also issued a statement, saying: "The cause of the tension in the Eastern Mediterranean is Greece and Greek Cypriot administration, with their maximalist actions and demands contrary to international law. The unconditional support of the EU to these two who are trying to ignore the legitimate rights and interests of our country and the Turkish Cypriots in the Eastern Mediterranean increases the tension even more." — Agencies
