“Migrants readmission agreement with the European Union has been suspended,” Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced on Wednesday, following the sanctions of the EU due to the illegal drilling in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus.
In an interview with Turkish private TGRT TV, Cavusoglu stated “we will not wait at the EU door. The readmission agreement and the visa waiver will come into force simultaneously. We have suspended the readmission agreement.”
Ankara and Brussels signed the Readmission Agreement in April 2016 as a solution to the problem of the continuing influx of refugees destined for the European Union.
Under the agreement, the EU has promised 6 billion euros in Turkey’s financial support as well as visa-free travel to Turkish citizens in the EU.
Mevlut Cavusoglu said many of the sanctions imposed by the EU. are unacceptable and have no value for Turkey.
On his part, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated “No threat of sanctions, either covert or overt, can deter Turkey from her just cause.”
“The Republic of Turkey, like a century ago, today also has the strength and determination to eradicate any threat directed towards her independence, survival, and the peace and security and safety of her citizens,” he added in his message on the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Lauzanne.
