NEWS

Turkey reports sharp drop in sea crossings

Turkey reports sharp drop in sea crossings

A Turkish official says a deal with the European Union to curb illegal migration has led to a "sharp decline in irregular crossings."

Speaking to journalists in Istanbul, the official said Wednesday some 462 migrants of various nationalities had been sent from the Greek islands back to Turkey. In line with the agreement, 508 Syrians who were living in Turkish refugee camps have been relocated to Europe since April 1.

The EU has agreed to receive one Syrian refugee from Turkey for each Syrian that Greece sends to Turkey.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly on the issue. [AP]

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