President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said he is very ashamed of the developments taking place in some Muslim countries but at the same time is filled with anger and hatred when he sees Muslims trying to make their way to Europe.
Speaking at a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in İstanbul, Erdoğan said: “As a Muslim from Turkey, I am ashamed of the developments taking place in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. When I see Muslims trying to go to European countries at the expense of their dignity, I become ashamed. But at the same time my anger and hatred increase [because of the treatment they receive].”
Millions of people living in the Middle East have been fleeing the violence in their countries and head to Europe in order to find safety and establish new lives there.
Erdoğan also criticized the EU for failing to keep its promise to send 3 billion euros to Turkey for the Syrian refugees in the country.
“They said they will send 3 billion euros by the beginning of July. It [the money] will still come,” said Erdoğan.
According to an agreement between Turkey and the EU earlier this year, Turkey will block illegal immigrants’ access to Europe in return for financial aid and visa-free travel for its citizens.