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Two different issues

May 28,2016 - Last updated at May 28,2016

Turkey and the EU are locked in a serious dispute over visa waiver for Turkish nationals in return for Ankara living up to the accord struck by the two sides on controlling the flow of refugees across Turkish borders in the direction of Europe, with Ankara now saying that unless the visa waiver is honoured, it will not implement its end of the bargain.

The agreement between the EU and Turkey included indeed a provision calling for visa waiver for Turkish citizens wishing to travel to Europe.

Europe is reneging on this commitment under the pretext that Turkey’s democracy remains flawed, especially because of its draconian legislation regarding freedom of the press.

The real issue here, however, is whether linking refugee rights and protection to visa waivers is tenable in the first place.

These are two separate issues, with each needing to be discussed and agreed upon on its merit.

EU and Turkey were both wrong to establish a quid pro quo based on these two distinguishable issues.

Controlling the flow of migrants across Turkish borders into Europe is a subject determined on the basis of relevant international law. It must not be used as a bargaining chip by any side.

Exempting Turkish citizens from visa requirement to enter Europe is an issue that should be negotiated and agreed upon separately.

Turkey’s bid to join the EU has been on and off the table for very long.

The EU wants the Turkish model of democracy to match its own before Turkey can gain membership. 

The two parties now find themselves in a bind, with no end in sight for their controversy.

The solution to this deadlock, therefore, can be simply renegotiating the two issues fairly and equitably, but separately.

 

Above all, the two sides must endeavour to promote and protect the refugees’ rights in accordance with well-established, pertinent international laws as a matter of highest priority.

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