Greece asks the European Union for help to deal with the migration crisis

Greece asks the European Union for help to deal with the migration crisis

Jan 23 2023

ARK News… The Greek government has prevented about 260,000 migrants from entering illegally in 2022 and arrested 1,500 smugglers, according to an official.

Citizens Protection Minister Takis Theodorikakos was speaking to ambassadors from other EU countries as well as Switzerland and the United Kingdom during a tour of the still-expanding border fence in the country's northeast.

Theodorikakos assured the 28 envoys that Greece's borders are also the external borders of the European Union.

The minister said, according to the agency "Associated Press": "The task (protection of borders) needs support ... from European public opinion, and the European Union itself and its constituent members."

"There must be solidarity among member states and a fair sharing of duties... Close coordination is a must," he added.

The Greek minister's speech was echoed by Cypriot Ambassador Kyriakos Kenifizos, who spoke of the "need for understanding" from countries that have no external borders with the European Union.

British Ambassador Matthew Lodge said, "Our priority is to protect human life and dignity which is at risk from criminal trafficking networks. Although we are no longer a member of the European Union, we cooperate closely."

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