(ANSA) – ISTANBUL, 03 MAY – “We are preparing a new project for the voluntary return of 1 million Syrian brothers who are guests in our country”. This was stated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Anadolu reported, in a video message broadcast during a ceremony to build new shelters for Syrian refugees in Idlib, a region in northern Syria near the Turkish border that is partially under the control of Ankara for several years.
“Approximately 500,000 Syrians have returned to the safe areas created by Turkey with cross-border operations since 2016,” the Turkish president added, referring to Ankara’s military action used against Isis and also against Kurdish forces with whom he Turkish was captured control of much of northern Syria.
Since the start of the conflict in Syria in 2011, Ankara has kept its borders open to refugees and around 3.7 million Syrians currently live in Turkey. In recent years, a large part of the Turkish population has shown frustration with Syrians and there have been numerous attacks on refugee neighborhoods in various Turkish cities.
Under a 2016 deal, Turkey will receive funds from the European Union in return for Ankara’s commitment to keep its borders closed to those trying to immigrate to Europe illegally. (HAND).
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