Statement on Turkey from EU Council President Charles Michel: 'We want to build positive relations'

EU Council President Charles Michel made statements to the press at the end of the first day's sessions of the extraordinary EU leaders' summit in Brussels.

Stating that EU leaders held a strategic discussion on Turkey and that all leaders were in agreement on relations with Turkey at the end of the session, Michel said, "We want to build a positive relationship with Turkey. We want to develop stable relations with this country and work on the basis of a phased, proportionate, and reversible approach. Here, I would like to emphasize that the situation in Cyprus, especially the UN-led settlement process, is extremely important."

SANCTIONS ON IRAN

Michel announced that due to Iran's attacks on Israel, EU leaders have agreed to impose new sanctions on Iran's drone and missile manufacturers. Michel said, "We have decided to impose sanctions against Iran. This is a clear signal we want to send."

Expressing that they want to work with countries in the region to isolate Iran and reduce regional tensions, Michel said regarding the sanctions on Iran, "The goal here is to target companies involved in the production of drones and missiles."

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

Emphasizing that EU leaders had the opportunity to hear the message sent by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and were in agreement on supporting Ukraine, Michel said, "Member states, especially those with specific capabilities, are aware that the situation is extremely critical and that Ukraine needs more air defense systems and more ammunition. We have held very serious discussions on this matter."

Stating that the second important point regarding Ukraine at the summit was the peace formula for Ukraine, Michel said, "As you know, there is a meeting expected to take place in Switzerland in June. This is a good thing, and we want to engage with the international community and all countries on this issue."