Erdoğan says sanctions would not have big impact on Turkey

SManalysis

by GCT

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Wednesday that any possible sanctions imposed by the European Union against his country will not have a great impact, adding that the EU had never acted honestly or kept its promises.

“The EU has never acted honestly, it has never kept its promises (towards Turkey). But… we have always been patient. We are still being patient,” Erdoğan told reporters ahead of a visit to Azerbaijan,

“Any sanctions decision that can be taken against Turkey do not concern us much,” Erdogan said, adding that Greece had “run” from negotiations with Turkey despite agreeing to resume talks over their conflicting maritime claims.

“On the eastern Mediterranean, we will continue to protect whatever our rights there are,” he said. “It is never possible for us to compromise here. But if Greece really acts honestly as a neighbour, we will continue to be available at the table.”

He also criticized US comments and actions in response to Turkey’s purchase of Russian missile S400 systems, which could trigger US sanctions on Turkey.