US and Europe will have to come together to stop Turkey: Mike Pompeo

Paris: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo indicated that the edge and scope of actions against Turkey might increase by saying, ‘The Turkish activities, started in the last month, are becoming more aggressive. French President Emmanuel Macron and I have concurred on this issue. It should be brought to Turkish President Erdogan’s notice that these actions will not be in the interest of the Turkish population. There is a need for the United States and Europe to take a joint initiative in this matter.’ Since the last few years, Turkish President Recep Erdogan has started interfering in many countries in order to increase Turkish influence. After failing to bring down the Bashar al-Assad government in Syria, Turkey began to interfere in Libya, Iraq, Palestine and Armenia-Azerbaijan. At the same time, it has dug up a dispute with Greece to gain control over the oil deposits in the Mediterranean Sea region. Greece is a NATO member, and so is Turkey. Intense reactions have been received from the United States and European countries as Turkey is trying to fester the tension despite this.

The European Union has already issued stern warnings to Turkey and has firmly told Turkey that the European Union would stand behind Greece. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also delivered a message to Turkey with a visit to Greece. But the statements of the US Secretary of State indicate that despite all this, Turkey is continuing to be aggressive. If the situation continues to remain the same, the United States and Europe could come together to teach a lesson to Turkey.

The sanctions imposed by the United States delivered strong jolts to the Turkish currency and economy. If Europe too, decides on similar action in the future, President Erdogan may suffer a major setback. Two months ago, the United States withdrew sanctions imposed on Cyprus, a sensitive issue for Turkey. After that, the US congressmen indicated the shifting of the US military base from Turkey.

The United States had also recently warned that Turkey would be targeted on the issue of S-400 missile system. At the same time, leading European countries like Germany and France also have taken an anti-Turkey stand. The Gulf countries also have adopted a stand against Turkish policies. In this scenario, Turkey is trying to increase its influence by developing cooperation with Iran, Pakistan and China.