Turkish authorities have slammed the “irresponsible” decision of the United States (US) to resettle Afghan refugees in third countries, including Turkey. On Tuesday, the country’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Tanju Bilgiç, warned that such an event would lead to a “major refugee crisis” and said his government would not comply with the US plan.
“This announcement will cause a major refugee crisis in our region and increase the misery of Afghans on the migration routes,” Bilgiç said, adding that “Instead of looking for a solution among countries within the region, seeking a solution in Turkey without our consent is unacceptable.”
Bilgiç noted that Turkey has been hosting the highest number of refugees for the last seven years and therefore “does not have the capacity to bear another refugee crisis for another country.” The spokesperson urged the US to “directly transport” the Afghan refugees by plane, saying that Turkey “will not take over the international responsibilities of third countries and will not tolerate abuse of our laws by third countries for their purposes under any circumstances.”
Also Read: Blinken Meets Kuwait Emir, FM, Discusses Relocation of Afghan Allies
Earlier this month, the US State Department announced the US Refugee Admissions Programme (USRAP) for Afghan nationals and their families. According to officials, the USRAP aims to “provide certain Afghans, including those who worked with the United States, the opportunity for refugee resettlement” to the US. It will also provide the opportunity for thousands of Afghans to “permanently resettle” in the US. Furthermore, senior State Department officials have stated that cases referred to the USRAP “will be processed in third countries, once the applicants are outside of Afghanistan.” Turkey has also been suggested as a possible spot where refugees can apply for resettlement to the US.
However, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price clarified, on Wednesday, that the US “did not direct anyone to a specific country,” including Turkey. “We do regret the concerns that statements have raised regarding the potential travel of Afghans to Turkey,” Price said.
As the US forces withdraw from Afghanistan, the Biden administration has vowed to evacuate thousands of Afghans who worked for the American government. The US fears that the Taliban will launch revenge attacks against those who helped the American war effort. A Task and Purpose report estimates that “70,000 Afghans who have worked for the United States—and their family members—are at risk of being killed as the Taliban push for a final victory.” Following the US drawdown, the militant group has launched offensives against Afghan troops and claimed control of more than 85% of Afghanistan.