Erdogan, plan to repatriate 1 million Syrians

(ANSA) - ISTANBUL, 03 MAY - "We are preparing a new project for the voluntary return of 1 million Syrian brothers who are in our country as guests".

This was stated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as reported by Anadolu, in a video message broadcast during a ceremony for the construction of new homes for Syrian refugees in Idlib, a region of northern Syria, near the Turkish border, which is partly under the control of Ankara from several years.

   "About 500 thousand Syrians have returned to the safe areas created by Turkey with cross-border operations starting from 2016" added the Turkish president referring to the military action in Ankara, in function against Isis and also against Kurdish forces.

   Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria in 2011, Ankara has kept its borders open to refugees and currently around 3.7 million Syrians live in Turkey.

In recent years, much of the Turkish population has shown frustration with Syrians and there have been numerous attacks on refugee neighborhoods in various Turkish cities.

   Under a 2016 agreement, Turkey receives funds from the European Union in exchange for Ankara's commitment to keep its borders closed to those attempting to migrate illegally to Europe.

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