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EU-Turkey visa deal not possible by July 1: Austria

Friday, 10 June 2016 4:57 PM [ Last Update: Friday, 10 June 2016 4:57 PM ]

Austrian Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka (AFP photo)

Austria, a major member of the European Union, has ruled out the possibility that a visa deal between the bloc and Turkey could be implemented by the July 1 deadline.

“I do not think that the first of July is feasible,” Austrian Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka said on Friday.

The Austrian official said his country would not agree to implement the deal unless Ankara fulfills all its obligations.

“We really need to have a legally flawless solution. If not, Austria cannot agree,” said Sobotka, who is in Luxembourg for a meeting with his EU counterparts.

Visa-free access to the EU is part of a deal reached between Turkey and the EU in March, whereby Ankara vowed to control the flood of refugees crossing into Greece in return for privileges like accelerated talks on accession to the EU and billions of dollars in financial aid.

Last month, the European Commission laid down a series of conditions for the visa deal to be implemented, including changes to Turkey's inclusive anti-terrorism laws so as to meet EU concerns over human rights. The EU demand angered Turkey with officials warning that they would drop the whole refugee accord.

People eat on the ground at a makeshift camp for refugees in Polykastro, Greece. (AFP Photo)

Other EU officials also warned that Turks would not be allowed free travels unless their obligations are fulfilled.

“There is a date that is the first of July; if they meet it, then we can go on; if they don't, then we have to see when they can meet criteria,” said Dutch Interior Minister Klass Dijkhoff, adding, “If Turkey wants visa liberalization, they know the requirements they should meet."

Turkey has defended its anti-terror laws as fully justified given the current security problems it has in the south.

Last month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that Ankara wants the visa deal by October at the latest or it would block laws related to the deal to stem the flow of refugees to Europe.

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