President Recep Erdogan on Friday warned Europe that Turkey can open its borders with the European Union if it pushes Ankara further, allowing refugees to cross.

The remarks came a day after the European Parliament voted to suspend talks with Ankara on Turkey joining the EU.

The vote was non-binding

The EU reached a deal with Turkey recently meant to stem the flow of migrants to the bloc.

This it said was to avoid a repeat of 2015, when hundreds of thousands of refugees left Turkish territory and made their way to Europe.

Europe is increasingly upset with Turkey over rights concerns, a widespread crackdown on the opposition and stepped up rhetoric against Brussels.

Over 1.3 million people arrived in Europe in 2015, triggering bitter disputes between EU member states over how to handle them.

The migrant deal with Turkey, though criticised by rights groups, has reduced the influx via Turkey to a trickle.

Turkey says it is home to the world’s largest refugee population, housing some 2.7 million Syrians and 300,000 Iraqis.

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