Turkey cancels agreement with Greece on repatriation of migrants

Greece can no longer send an immigrant to Turkey, following Ankara's decision to cancel the agreement between the two countries. Turkey's foreign minister confirmed the decision following the release of four Turkish military officials involved in the coup effort, who have sought asylum from Athens.

Turkey cancels the deal to repatriate immigrants from Greece. The statement was made by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevluut Cavushoglu a few days after the release of four Turkish officials who fled Turkey after the failed coup attempt in 2016. Turkish officials were released after the end of the detention deadline pending acceptance of their asylum bid in the Greek state.

The deal on waiting for a second round of refugees, between Turkey and the government of Alexis Tsipras, is part of a larger agreement reached between the European Union and Turkish President Erduan, who has received 6 billion euros from Brussels in two installments to ensure assistance for 1.2 million migrants coming from Syria and other countries. At the same time, the route that through the Aegean took them to Europe is blocked.

The agreement between Ankara and the European Union stands, but starting from today Greece no longer has the right to send economic immigrants to Turkey who do not receive asylum from Athens. The last two years of 1,209 refugees have returned to Turkey from Frontex. Relations between Athens and Ankara have been strained for some time as Turkey prepares for the June 24th snap elections.