19 March 2016•Update: 28 March 2016
ISTANBUL
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Saturday that Turkey would not accept objections from any European country over the refugee deal enabling the opening of a new chapter in Turkey’s accession process in exchange for it taking back refugees from Greece.
Cavusoglu's remarks came during a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Istanbul.
"Turkey will start to receive refugees [from Greece] two weeks from now. And in line with the deal, the EU will take the same number of refugees from Turkey the same day," he said.
"But objections from any European country aren’t Turkey's concern."
Cavusoglu also slammed Saturday’s suicide bomb attack on Istanbul's central Istiklal Street that left at least 5 dead, including the bomber, and 36 wounded.
"Turkey needs an unflinching fight against terrorism," he said. "We expect the support of the world, especially Europe, in our fight."
Twelve of the 36 injured in the blast were foreign nationals, according to Health Minister Mehmet Muezzinoglu.
Iran’s Zarif also condemned the terror attack. "I offer my condolences to the Turkish people for those who died in the attack," he said.
Zarif said Iran values the relationship between Turkey and his country.
"Turkey has always supported Iran, especially during the days of sanctions. [...] We see Turkey as a partner in all areas. I hope the trade volume between the two countries reaches $30 billion," he said.
Commenting on the situation of both Iraq and Syria, Zarif said, "Iran respects all countries' territorial integrity and stability."
