Migrants Found Dead off Western Coast of Turkey

According to the latest figures released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), almost one million refugees have reached Europe’s shores so far this year, while more than 3,300 people have either died or gone missing in their perilous journey to the continent. European Union leaders on Thursd…

Those rescued were taken to the hospital in Bodrum, many in a serious condition, the agency said.

The wooden vessel, which was packed with refugees, including citizens of Syria and Iraq, was attempting to reach the Greek island of Kos when it sank in Bodrum bay.

According to the premier, the European leaders recognized the need for a resettlement mechanism applied directly from Turkey and they committed to beginning this in February. They were heading from Turkey to the Greek island of Farmakonisi.

The resettlement scheme is linked to a wider deal with Turkey under which Ankara has pledged to prevent migrants leaving for Greece in return for 3 billion euros ($3.25 billion)from the bloc, accelerated visa-free travel for Turks to the European Union and reviving long stalled membership talks.

The European Commission said in a statement on Tuesday that it will adopt a set of measures to protect the EU’s external borders and manage migration more effectively.

Prime Minister Erna Solberg says the numbers of immigrants had put “an excessive amount of strain” on Justice Minister Anders Anundsen, whose portfolio has been cut up with the creation of the brand new ministry.

But EU leaders also wanted Turkey to honour its part of the bargain.