Merkel: Agreed on Cut in Financial Aid

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European Union state and government leaders have discussed financial aids granted to Turkey in the EU summit continuing in Brussels, Belgium.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel responded to journalists’ questions, and conveyed that it was agreed on reduction of financial aids.

Second day sessions of the summit will be held today (October 20).

Reaction against human rights violations

Chancellor Merkel stated that this step was taken in reaction to human rights violations in Turkey.

According to Deutsche Welle Türkçe, Merkel emphasizing that human rights situation in Turkey “is in no way satisfactory”, stated that “Turkey strays from rule of law step by step”.

“We don’t want to burn down the bridges”

Doğan News Agency (DHA) correspondent to Brussels, Hilal Sarı reported that Merkel said that the human rights violations in Turkey is unacceptable, funds allocated to Turkey must be reduced but they don’t want to “burn down the bridges” with the NATO ally country.

Merkel added that they want to continue the talks with Turkey, Merkel, and the financial aid promised as part of the refugee agreement is going to be continued to be paid. (AS/TK)