Speaking to the CNN International channel, Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun responded to allegations by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and made the following remarks:
“We categorically reject the allegations made by Prime Minister Mitsotakis. We are deeply concerned by the fact that the Greek law enforcement and border security forces have mistreated refugees and used lethal force against them. Turkey has been hosting more refugees than any other country in the world and serving as a barrier against irregular migration waves from Syria and elsewhere. The European Union has failed to keep its promises under the 2016 refugee agreement with regard to financial aid and voluntary humanitarian admission. As a result, Turkey had to divert its resources away from stopping the refugee flows into Europe to preparing for a potential influx from Idlib. We urge Greece and the international community not to put the blame on somebody, but to end the Syrian civil war underlying the irregular migration.”