UPDATE - New migration wave inevitable if measures not taken in Afghanistan, Iran: Turkey's president

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS BY TURKISH PRESIDENT

By Berk Ozkan

ANKARA (AA) - The Turkish president in a phone call with the German chancellor on Saturday warned of a possible wave of migration if necessary measures are not taken in Afghanistan and Iran.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Angela Merkel discussed the developments in Afghanistan, particularly the issue of migrants, along with regional issues and bilateral relations, according to a statement by Turkey’s Communications Directorate.

Erdogan stressed that a new wave of migration is inevitable if necessary measures are not taken in Afghanistan and Iran.

Turkey, hosting 5 million asylum seekers, cannot handle an additional burden of migration from Afghanistan, he added.

"It is essential to prevent a humanitarian tragedy in the face of migration from Afghanistan and provide urgent assistance to these people in Afghanistan and neighboring countries," he noted.

Turkey also had talks with Iran and increased the measures along the Iranian border, Erdogan said, adding that Europe has important duties to resolve the issue of irregular migration from Afghanistan as soon as possible before it turns into a crisis.

The new government to be established in Afghanistan should be inclusive, representing all Afghan people, he said, stressing that it is important to start talks between the Taliban and Afghan leaders in Kabul on peace and security issues.

Meanwhile, referring to the developments in Afghanistan, Erdogan said: "Turkey can continue to take the responsibility for the security and operating of the Kabul airport under relevant conditions."