With the ongoing migrant crisis going on between the European Union and Belarus, Turkey has banned citizens from Iraq, Syria, and Yemen to be allowed to fly from Turkey to Belarus.
Turkish Aviation Authority Announces Ban
Aviation authorities announced that due to the issue of illegal crossing of the border between the EU and Belarus, Iraqi, Syrian and Yemeni citizens wishing to travel to Belarus from Turkish airports have been determined not to be able to purchase or board further tickets.
Thousands of refugees gathered on the Belarusian side of the border to seek asylum in Poland and Germany. The EU has accused Belarus of encouraging people fleeing various war zones around the world to cross the Polish border. The EU said it could impose new sanctions on Belarus.
In response to news that Turkish Airlines could be affected by sanctions, the Foreign Ministry said Thursday that Ankara refused to “be portrayed as part of a non-party issue.”
“Although information on this issue is shared transparently, we believe it is intentional to target world-renowned companies such as Turkish Airlines,” he added.
The refugee crisis on the border between Belarus and Poland, the EU has accused Belarus for instigating the same and adding more pressure on the government. This comes amidst thousands of refugees stuck on the border.
Belarus Snaps At EU
Following the EU threatening to close the border, the Belarus president made a statement regarding the same. He said that they provide heat to the European countries. He questioned what if they shut down a key pipeline that carries gas from Russia to EU.
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said that the “headless” leaders should think before speaking. Following the threat, the European gas prices reversed losses. The continent is currently dealing with the energy crisis along with the limited Russia gas supply amongst many other factors.
