Greece, Cyprus and France are preparing a list of new sanctions against Turkey

Greece Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Turkey's illegal drilling inside of the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is likely to lead to new sanctions.

A list was presented by Greece, Cyprus and France in accordance to the conclusions of the December European Council meeting.

French President Macron Anastasiades
French President Macron (left) with his Cypriot counterpart Anastasiades (right).

The joint list was presented last week, according to SKAI.

The sanctions do not only apply to Turks (natural persons) but to legal entities involved in illegal drilling.

The proposals are expected to be discussed at the next meeting of the Directorate-General for External Relations committee next Thursday.

However, because the issue has already been delayed, and exploratory contacts between Greece and Turkey have already been announced, the "usual suspects" in the Council have begun to say that Athens should postpone the meeting.

Greece Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Their reasoning is that an announcement of an extension of sanctions at this stage will spoil the talks.

It is noted, however, that the process of exploratory contacts may be underway, however there are various thorns that could derail it.

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