Merkel on Belarus sanctions, relationship with Turkey

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday hailed agreements reached by European Union leers over issues with Belarus and Turkey as a "great step forward". EU leers agreed to impose sanctions on dozens of senior officials in Belarus accused of falsifying presidential election results and leing a crackdown on peaceful protesters, after unblocking a veto against move by one of EU's smallest member countries.

In an embarrassing standoff, Cyprus h insisted that its EU partners take action against Turkey for its energy exploration work in disputed waters off Mediterranean island nation's coast before it would agree to Belarus sanctions. But after several hours of talks into night, leers agreed on a strong statement of support for Cyprus, as well as for Greece, and a stern warning to Turkey that it could face punitive measures if it continues undersea drilling work.

Praising decisions Merkel said: "I think that sanctions against Belarus on one hand and procedure against Turkey on or that have been agreed are a great step forward." European Council President Charles Michel told reporters after chairing summit in Brussels that a special written procedure would be launched on Friday to impose sanctions on about 40 Belarus officials.

political row has tarnished EU's im. It is also unusual in that all 27 EU member countries, including Cyprus, reject result of Aug. 9 election that returned Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to power for a sixth term. y all want a new election and agree that sanctions should be slapped on several officials. Throughout Thursday evening, leers debated what approach to take in EU's increasingly tense ties with Turkey over its drilling in Mediterranean Sea.

In a summit statement, y agreed that if Turkey continues to react positively in talks with Cyprus and Greece bloc will “launch a positive political EU-Turkey nda” with tre and customs incentives, and y held out prospect of more money and benefits for continued cooperation on migrant flows. If t, leers warned, “ EU will use all instruments and options at its disposal,” to “defend its interests and those of its Member States.”

(Im Credits: AP)

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