Reuters, 05/07 14:57 CET
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – President Tayyip
Erdogan outlined plans on Tuesday to grant citizenship to some of the
near 3 million migrants who have fled war in neighboring Syria,
particularly those with qualifications of use to Turkey.
“Western nations open their doors to such skilled
individuals and they have no choice but to go (to the West) when we do
not open the gates (of citizenship) ourselves. We would like to benefit
from their knowledge,” Erdogan told reporters after praying at an
Istanbul mosque.
Turkey struck a deal with the European Union in March to
stem the flow of migrants into Europe and it has sharply cut the number
of refugees and migrants reaching Greece. However, the deal has been
hampered by discord over Turkish counter-terrorism law, which the EU
wants brought in line with its codes.
Ankara has already said it would make it easier for
migrants from Syria and other nations to get work permits and Erdogan
said they could also be made Turkish citizens.
“There are highly qualified individuals among Syrian
refugees in Turkey. (Granting them citizenship) would both serve
Turkey’s interests and improve their living standards,” Erdogan said at
the start of the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday.
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Source: euronews.
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