EU should fund Turkey for Syrian refugee cities: Hungary

BUDAPEST

The Hungarian prime minister has suggested that Europe should provide financial help to Turkey to build cities that Syrian refugees can return to.

Speaking to Hungarian broadcaster Hir TV on Wednesday, Victor Orban said they think about Hungary's national interests while they comment on Turkey's anti-terror operation in northeastern Syria.

Orban said Turkey is expected to take a decision about over more than 3 million Syrian refugees in the following weeks.

"Two things can happen in Turkey. Related institutions in Ankara will either send these people back to Syria or put them on a journey to Europe," Orban said.

If the latter happens, these people will reach Hungary's southern borders, he said.

"We suggest European Union to provide money for Turkey to build cities which Syrian refugees can return to," Orban said.

Ankara wants to clear east of the Euphrates in northern Syria of the terrorist PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the YPG.

Turkey on Oct. 9 launched Operation Peace Spring to secure its borders by eliminating terrorist groups there, to ensure the safe return of Syrian refugees and Syria’s territorial integrity.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU -- has been responsible for deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.

* Writing by Fatih Hafiz Mehmet in Ankara