MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The relationships with Turkey demand from the European Union both criticism and solidarity, President of the European Council Donald Tusk said.
"Nothing in life is for free and neither this agreement is [on refugee redistribution]. But we will not come to terms with any violations of freedom of press or opinions, you can trust me… Yes, Turkey is the most reliable partner in the region, and it is in a difficult situation: weekly terrorist attacks, insecure borders with Syria, Iraq and Iran. Plus more than two million refugees in the country. Therefore we owe Turkey both: solidarity and criticism," Tusk told Bild newspaper in an interview.
He added that visa-free agreement implementation will depend on Turkey's ability to comply with all the conditions, but "the negotiations will certainly take until October."