German Chancellor Angel Merkel expressed on Friday her contentment with the deal achieved earlier between the EU and Turkey on a plan to tackle migration flows in Europe and the readmission of refugees and migrants from Greece to Turkey as of Monday, noting however that implementation will be monitored.
Speaking to journalists after the summit meeting in Brussels, Merkel noted the return of refugees and migrants from Greece to Turkey will take place through a permanent mechanism whose mode of operation is still under discussion. She also expressed hope that all member-states will participate.
The Chancellor also advised refugees stranded in Idomeni, the makeshift camp in Greece’s northern border, to leave and find shelter in one of the temporary camps set up by the Greek government, noting they no longer have a reason to stay there.
Commenting on recognizing Turkey as a safe third country, Merkel said Greece has already acknowledged it through its bilateral deal on readmissions, but added that Turkey will have to implement the Geneva Convention on refugees.
The Chancellor also expressed hope that the Cyprus issue will be resolved soon, while she added that the visa waiver for Turkish citizens will only be implemented if Turkey fulfills its obligations arising from the deal.
Merkel concluded by saying that today’s deal is proof that Europe can overcome great crises.
Source: ANA-MPA
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