EU foreign policy chief vows 'zero tolerance' against corruption

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ISTANBUL (AA) - EU's foreign policy chief on Monday ensured "zero tolerance" over corruption as an "internal" investigation over corruption charges will be launched by the European Parliament.

"The news that we learned during the weekend is very much worrisome but I think that we have to let the judiciary and the police do their job," Josep Borrell told a news conference after EU foreign ministers meeting

"You know that we don't have any kind of complacency, zero tolerance with corruption wherever it happens," Borrell added.

His remarks came after the European Parliament announced the launch of an investigation with its head Roberta Metsola saying "there will be no sweeping under the carpet."

Eva Kaili, one of the 14 vice presidents of the European legislative body from Greece's central-left PASOK-KINAL party, was arrested on Friday by Belgium police after her house was searched on corruption charges allegedly linked to Qatar.

Her father was also detained after finding him in possession of a large amount of cash in a suitcase, local reports showed.

- EU failed to agree on 9th sanction package against Russia

The EU foreign ministers have failed to agree on the ninth package of sanctions against Russia, but the work will continue, Borrell said.

There is "no 100% agreement," he said, adding that it is not about one specific state not agreeing on the sanctions.

Borrell also said he is "fully confident" that an agreement will be reached.

About the second round of sanctions opted against Iran, he said sanctions were imposed due to two reasons: "for ongoing violations of human rights of the people and for the help that is provided to Russia."

He also said the sanctions should be separated from the nuclear program and added that the Iran nuclear deal remains in their own interests.

Over the recent tensions in Kosovo, he said several steps have been agreed to defuse tension in North Kosovo and that he asked the EU special representative to travel to the region.

Noting that the EU’s monitoring capacity will be completing its activities by Dec. 19, he said: "In order to maintain our credibility as a facilitator of the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, a team will be deployed to Armenia to plan a possible civilian mission.