Erdogan criticises EU over refugee deal

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the EU has not been “sincere” over an aid deal with Turkey to contain the influx of Syrian refugees. There has been concern about the EU-Turkey deal, clinched in March, since Turkey was thrown into turmoil by a coup attempt on 15 July. “The European leaders are not sincere,” […]

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the EU has not been “sincere” over an aid deal with Turkey to contain the influx of Syrian refugees.
There has been concern about the EU-Turkey deal, clinched in March, since Turkey was thrown into turmoil by a coup attempt on 15 July.
“The European leaders are not sincere,” Mr Erdogan complained in an interview with German ARD television.
Of the €3bn (£2.5bn) pledged, the EU has paid a token €1m-€2m, he said.
Turkey is hosting about 2.7 million Syrian refugees and Mr Erdogan said the cost to Turkey so far had been nearly $12bn (€11bn; £9bn).
“Turkey stands by its commitment with regard to refugees,” Mr Erdogan said.
Before the March deal, Greece was overwhelmed by the challenge of housing migrants and refugees arriving by boat from Turkey, which is taking back Syrians and other migrants intercepted off the Greek islands.