Erdogan compares Greek authorities defending Europe’s borders against tens of thousands of fighting-age men to Nazis
ANKARA,
Turkey (AP) — Turkey’s president on Wednesday made the incendiary claim
that the Greek authorities’ alleged mistreatment of migrants at its
border was comparable to “what the Nazis did,” and said he would
denounce Greece’s action at international platforms.
In his weekly
address to his ruling party’s legislators, Recep Tayyip Erdogan also
said there would be no change to his government’s policy of allowing
migrants to cross into Europe, until the European Union fulfills
obligations set out in a 2016 Turkish-EU deal that helped stem a migrant
crisis.
To prevent the
crossings, Athens deployed riot police and border guards who in many
cases used tear gas, flash grenades and water cannons. Several clashes
have erupted between the migrants and the Greek forces. Greece says that
Turkish security forces fired tear gas from the other side of the
border at Greek officers.
Erdogan said
Greece’s actions have resulted in four migrants’ deaths and that around
1,000 were injured. Greece denies accusations of mistreatment.
There is no difference with what the Nazis did and the images from the border with Greece,” Erdogan said. “To open fire, fire tear gas and use boiling water on innocent people whose only aim is to save their lives and build a better future for their children is barbaric in the true meaning of the word.
Under the 2016
agreement, the EU offered Turkey up to 6 billion euros ($6.7 billion) in
aid for the Syrian refugees it hosts, fast-tracked EU membership as
well as a revision of Customs Union agreement.
Source:
Voice Of Europe