Turkish observers recalled from Greek islands

The return to Turkey of seven Turkish “observers” who had been stationed on Aegean islands to observe the return of migrants to Turkey, in line with Ankara’s agreement with the European Union, will not disrupt the enforcement of the deal, Turkish diplomatic sources have told Kathimerini.

The seven Turks were called home last week following a failed coup in the neighboring country but are expected to return to the islands before the expiry of a three-month state of emergency declared by Turkish authorities after a failed coup of July 16.

All holders of Turkish grey and green diplomatic passports were called back to Turkey after the failed coup.

Sources at the Migration Policy Ministry and the Greek Police told Kathimerini that they do not believe the temporary absence of the Turkish observers on the islands will create a problem for migrant returns, noting that Greek observers remain at their posts on the Turkish side.