Syrians flown to Germany as part of EU-Turkey refugee deal
The first Syrians sent from Turkey as part of a deal with the European Union meant to curb illegal migration have landed in Germany.
The 16 Syrian refugees landed in the central German city of Hannover Monday morning aboard a scheduled flight from Turkey and were being taken to accommodation in the region, news agency dpa reported. Another 16 Syrians were expected in Hannover later in the day.
Last month's EU-Turkey deal aims to control the mass influx of people into Europe, many of whom have crossed the Aegean Sea with the help of smugglers.
Returns to Turkey of migrants arriving illegally in Greece who didn't apply for asylum or had their claims rejected started Monday; in return, EU countries are to take in Syrians with legitimate asylum claims.
[AP]
