Germany, Austria say sanctions among options for Turkey's Cyprus drilling

The European Union will decide on Monday to symbolically punish Turkey over what it calls "illegal" drilling for oil and gas off Cyprus and threaten harsher sanctions in the future unless Ankara changes tack, German and Austrian ministers said.
Foreign affairs ministers of the 28-nation bloc meeting in Brussels on Monday are due to endorse a decision to curb diplomatic contacts and funding for Ankara, retaliation for what it sees as interference with Cyprus' exclusive economic zone.

In June, EU leaders warned Turkey to end drilling in waters around the island or face action from the bloc. EU member Cyprus has pressed for a tough line threatening harsher sanctions in the future but others have warned against antagonizing a key ally on security and migration affairs.
"The provocations of Turkey are unacceptable to all of us," German Minister of State for Europe...

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