Greece, Cyprus threaten EU sanctions against Turkey over Varosha | Al Jazeera

Greece has said that unless Turkey reverses the reopening of parts of Varosha on Cyprus’s east coast, it may seek to trigger economic sanctions that the European Union has lined up.

On Thursday, Turkish troops reopened parts of the resort that became a ghost town during the war in 1974, sparking controversy days ahead of an election in Northern Cyprus.

“Turkey needs to take a step back. If it doesn’t, next week both Cyprus and Greece will table the matter for discussion by EU leaders at the October 16-17 European Council,” said Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas on Thursday.

EU members Greece and Cyprus sought sanctions against Turkey last week, in retaliation for Turkish exploration for oil and gas off the coast of Cyprus.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has condemned the move to reopen Varosha.

“This decision is a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Greece will support all relevant efforts of the Republic of Cyprus,” he said.