With many "ifs" and "buts" the European Union set to grant freedom of movement for Turks

The Commission gives the green light, but the agreement must be approved by the European Parliament and member states. Turkey’s many contradictions: violence against freedom of the press, of speech, assembly, and against minorities.

Ankara (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The European Commission is in favor of ensuring EU Shenghen entry visas for Turkish citizens, despite the strong resistance of MEPs. The new policy is expected to begin in July, but has yet to receive the approval of the European Parliament and member countries.

Freedom of movement in Europe is part of a package signed on 18 March under which Turkey agreed to take back migrants who crossed the sea to Greece.

The EU is concerned that if there is the granting of entry visas to Europe, Turkey will allow uncontrolled migration.  The liberalization of visas for Turks will allow them to travel to Europe for tourism or business, but does not give them the right to find work.

Many MEPs highlight the contradictions that are still prevailing in the Middle Eastern country under the 72 criteria that the EU requires for visa liberalization. These include attacks against freedom of the press (28 journalists are in prison; 49 in custody; 53 indicted for defaming President Recep Tayyip Erdogan); the politicization of the justice system, with a series of shadowy trials; the lack of freedom of speech and assembly, the lack of protection of minorities, especially Christians. Only two days ago the Armenian member of parliament Garo Paylan was attacked and beaten up by other nationalist and Islamist MPs. Paylan had sought recognition for some martyrs of the Armenian Genocide.

Meanwhile, the president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, has lauded  "the lowering of the number of migrants crossing the Aegean Sea" since Turkey agreed to control the flow. Turkey has already threatened that if the EU does not liberalize visas, it will stop receiving migrants from Greece.

• Turkey European
• Union Islam migrants Recep
• Tayyip
• Erdogan