EU: "We are keeping our commitment on the migration deal with Turkey"

BRUSSELS, July 26 (KUNA) -- The EU denied Tuesday accusations by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the EU is not keeping its promise on a deal with Ankara in March to stem the flow of refugees to Europe from Turkey.
"The EU is respecting its commitments and suggestions to the contrary are not true," chief European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas told a news conference.
He noted that the EU has mobilised 3 billion euros to help refugees in Turkey. Out of this about 740 million euro has been already allocated In addition the European Commission is to adopt special measures of 1.4 billion euro to help refugees and host communities in Turkey bringing the total amount allocated to 2.5 billion before the end of the month, said the spokesman.
"This will prove that we have respected our commitment," stressed Schinas.
He clarified that the EU funding supports refugees and host communities in Turkey, and not Turkey or the Turkish government.
Speaking to German ARD television on Monday, Erdogan said the EU had promised 3 billion euro in aid to help improve living conditions of the some 3 million Syrian refugee it hosts.
"Ask them. Did you pay? But Turkey still hosts 3 million people. What would Europe do if we let these people go," he said.
The (European) governments are not honest", added The Turkish leader. (end) nk.rk