Macron Criticizes Erdogan’s Policy

Macron criticized Erdogan’s policy. On September 10, the summit of the leaders of seven European states of the Mediterranean basin — France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus and Malta — began on the French island of Corsica. According to French President Emmanuel Macron, the main topic on the agenda is the question of curbing Turkey’s actions in the energy-rich eastern part of the Mediterranean. “Turkey is carrying out drilling operations within Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone, which is unacceptable. We are dealing with successive provocations, which is not befitting a great state (like Turkey). When we speak of establishing peace in the Mediterranean, we must be able to find a certain form of coexistence with Turkey. At the same time, we Europeans must adopt a clear and resolute attitude in our relations with President Erdogan’s government. That, however, concerns the government, not the Turkish state or the people,” Macron declared, noting that France has no intention of increasing tensions in its relations with Ankara. “We want to avoid further escalation of the situation. That, however, does not mean that we shall take a submissive or tolerant position,” Macron said.