ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday discussed the migrant crisis and the situation in Syria’s rebel enclave of Idlib, with the leaders of France, Germany and Britain.

The four-party video conference that involved French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson came after Turkey decided last month to re-open its border for refugees trying to reach Europe.

The move sparked tensions with Brussels, and with neighbouring Greece, when thousands of migrants massed on the Turkish-Greek border.

“Humanitarian assistance for Idlib, and the refugee issue” were on the agenda according to the Turkish presidency, along with other issues such as fighting in Libya.

Erdogan’s decision to open the gates for refugees heading to Europe came after more than 50 Turkish troops were killed by Syrian regime fire in the northwestern province of Idlib in February.

Turkey is home to four million refugees — mostly Syrians — and is demanding more assistance from the European Union amid fears of another influx from Idlib, where the Syrian regime has launched an offensive backed by Russian air power.

Ankara hopes for progress on a new migrant deal with Brussels by the next scheduled EU summit on March 26.

Macron’s office said there was a convergence of views on the situation in Idlib and the need to step up humanitarian aid to civilians, during the conference that lasted about an hour.

Published in Dawn, March 18th, 2020