BRUSSELS, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Germany has pushed an ongoing European Union (EU) summit to talk about situation in Turkey, aiming to cut funds for Ankara's EU accession bid, said German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday.
"We will be talking about Turkey; I asked that this theme be put on the agenda," Merkel told reporters at her arrival of the summit.
She said the EU was very concerned about the situation of the rule of law in Turkey, adding that "I will push for the pre-accession funds to be reduced."
"We will hear everyone's view on this because it's important to me that the European Council is united on this," Merkel said.
However, the German chancellor praised Ankara's role in dealing with migration.
"I will also make clear that Turkey is doing a great job on the refugees and that we have obligations under the EU-Turkey deal," Merkel noted.
The EU and Turkey hammered out a deal, in which Brussels promised Ankara 3 billion euros (3.55 billion U.S. dollars) for the coming years to tackle migration.
"We need to deliver on this promise," said Merkel, "This money helps the refugees who are living under very difficult conditions. Once again, Turkey is doing a great job here," she added.
The EU leaders gathered here for a two-day summit with topics including migration, security and digital development on the agenda. On Friday morning, leaders are scheduled to discuss Brexit talks.
