TURKEY TO GET €3BN FOR REFUGEES WITHIN 2016

Ankara, 6 Rabi’ul Awwal 1437/17 December 2015 (MINA) – Turkey will receive 3 billion euros ($3.27 billion) from the EU within the next year to spend on Syrian refugees, Turkey’s EU minister said Wednesday.

Volkan Bozkir said Turkey is negotiating with the EU on how to spend the money, World Bulletin quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

“We want to decide in our own where to spend it. Talks are underway about that,” Bozkir said.

The minister, who also acts as Turkey’s chief negotiator with the EU, said the suggestion of privileged partnership status for Turkey was no longer an option.

Germany had previously suggested Turkey could adopt this model instead of full EU membership.

Under the EU-Turkey deal for Syrian refugees, Turkey has also been promised visa-free travel for its nationals within Europe. Bozkir said Turkey is expected to introduce 72 adjustments before this can be implemented. (T/P006/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)