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Germany urges rapid enforcement of EU-Turkey deal on refugees

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi address a news conference at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, January 29, 2016. (Reuters photo)

Germany has called for the rapid enforcement of a deal between the European Union and Turkey on the issue of refugees in a bid to curb the influx of migrants.

“We spoke about the refugee question of course, on the one hand about the EU-Turkey agenda, which must be implemented urgently because we need progress,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday after talks with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in Berlin, Germany.

Italy has so far blocked a European Union plan to provide Turkey with three billion euros (about USD 3.26 billion) in aid in exchange for a commitment to restraining the flow of migrants into Europe.

Meanwhile, Renzi said his country has no problem with helping Turkey over the refugee crisis.

“We are just awaiting some answers regarding specific questions from the EU,” the Italian premier stated.

Europe is facing an unprecedented influx of refugees who are fleeing conflict-ridden zones in Africa and the Middle East, particularly Syria.

Many blame major European powers for the unprecedented exodus, saying their policies have led to a surge in terrorism and war in those regions, forcing more people from homes.

More than one million refugees reached Europe’s shores in 2015, while over 3,700 people either died or went missing in their perilous journey into the continent, according to figures released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).


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