[InTime News]
The refugee issue had become so “dramatic” in Greece and the European Union that it necessitated a deal being done with Turkey in 2016 that she does not regret, former German chancellor Angela Merkel has said.
“I knew I had to do something about the refugee issue; I knew we had to talk to Europe’s neighbors. That’s why I was in favor of the agreement with Turkey on the refugee issue. The situation in Greece was dramatic. The illegal immigrants had to be returned. Turkey got money in return. Politics needs realism, I had to talk to Erdogan and I don’t regret it,” she told an audience at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, where she is being interviewed by Kathimerini Executive Editor Alexis Papachelas.
“There were tensions between Greece and Turkey and we often tried to mediate. The discussions with Erdogan were difficult, as we didn’t always agree. I always tried to take advantage of small opportunities so that relations didn’t deteriorate,” she said.
The former German leader said that unsuccessful asylum applicants must be deported, as do those who have broken the law or are involved in terrorism.
However, she noted that many immigrants have achieved success stories.
Merkel is reflecting on her personal journey, following the recent publication of the Greek translation of her book “Freedom.” The event is taking place at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. Attendance is limited to Kathimerini subscribers.
The former German chancellor’s visit to Athens comes just days ahead of the tenth anniversary of the 2015 bailout referendum on July 5.