Erdogan to Release Migrants if EU Blocks Membership Talks

Members of the European Parliament voted for a temporary pause in negotiations on Turkey’s efforts to join the European Union due to worries about President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's heavy-handed response to July’s coup. Specific concerns include treatment of political dissidents and potential restoration of the death penalty, which is banned by the EU. “The talks were part of a wide-ranging deal agreed with Mr Erdogan's government which meant Turkey would shelter the thousands of refugees fleeing violence in Iraq and Syria in exchange for aid, membership talks and visa-free travel for its citizens,” reports Caroline Mortimer for the Independent. Although the vote is non-binding and most EU foreign ministers continue to support the negotiations, Erdogan responded with anger. Turkey did reduce the number of refugees fleeing to Europe by about a half million from the previous year and complains that EU promises of aid have not been fulfilled. One Turkish representative suggested that linking Turkey’s accession with control of refugees was wrong from the start. Ultimately, the role of government is to provide services and security. The refugees are being excluded from that equation. – YaleGlobal