'We expect visa liberalization by October 2016, at the latest,' FM Çavuşoğlu says
by Daily Sabah
ISTANBULSep 01, 2016 - 12:00 am GMT+3
by Daily Sabah
Sep 01, 2016 12:00 am
Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu warned that the EU migrant deal will collapse unless the EU delivers on visa-free travel by October 2016.
Speaking to a leading Greek newspaper, Kathimerini, a few hours after his unofficial visit to Crete, Greece, Çavuşoğlu said, "Turkey cannot continue on its own to stop irregular migration toward the EU, while the EU does not assume its obligations," further stressing that Turkey expects visa liberalization for Turkish citizens by October 2016 at the latest.
Bringing up the March 18 deal with the EU, which was started on Turkey's initiative and primarily aimed at preventing the loss of life in the Aegean Sea, Çavuşoğlu underlined that Turkey reached its goals within five months of the implementation of the deal. The minister said that Turkey is determined to continue with the deal, adding that as long as the deal is effectively performed, there is no room for concern.
However, he added that if there was a possible denial of visa liberalization, the ongoing cooperation in the Aegean Sea would be cancelled. Stressing that the EU made promises, such as visa liberalization for Turkish citizens and financial assistance for Syrians in Turkey, Çavuşoğlu said, "Despite the fact that irregular migration in the Aegean is now under control, the EU does not seem keen on delivering on their promises."
Commenting on Turkey's relations after the failed July 15 coup attempt, Çavuşoğlu said that Turkey appreciated the support and condemnation messages coming from the EU, as well as the increasing visits by EU dignitaries to Turkey, "even though they are late." However, Çavuşoğlu said that statements questioning the legal measures in Turkey damaged the EU's reputation as an advocate of democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the eyes of the Turkish public.
"It is only natural for the Turkish state to take all the necessary measures within the limits of its Constitution to counter this terrorist group and to protect its democracy," the minister said, indicating that the current practices are implemented within the framework of international human rights law. "We continue to uphold our commitments to the EU, aiming for full membership and expect the EU to also do the same," stating that threatening Turkey's accession process should be replaced with support from Turkey's EU allies.
Çavuşoğlu, who held talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Kotzias on Sunday, said that he forwarded to Greek authorities Turkey's requests for the extradition of the eight putschist Turkish military men, stating that he hopes these soldiers will be extradited to Turkey as soon as possible. The minister also pointed out that Cypriot leaders re-entered negotiations this summer and voiced his hope that a settlement in Cyprus could be possible by the end of the year.
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