Greece's Public Order and Citizen Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias on Tuesday stressed the need for a joint European Union approach to illegal migration issues, in statements to the ANA-MPA from Milan where he was attending an EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers' Council.
"We consider that it's very important not to focus all the attention and the discussion on the issue of illegal migration only on the flow coming from central Africa to Europe because there are particularly strong pressures in the southeastern Mediterranean basin that Greece is burdened with almost entirely," he added.
Kikilias noted that there was a visible increase in the flow of illegal migrants, especially across Greece's sea borders.
"For this reason we stressed that there must be an affinity between European countries, with common rights and obligations for everyone, given that this is a European issue concerning Europe's borders," he stressed, adding that there should be joint responsibility, coordination and funding to deal with the phenomenon.
An increased flow of migrants to Greece
The minister additionally stressed the crucial importance of the European border agency Frontex and the problems caused by a 50 pct reduction in total funding for Frontex's activities in Greece.
"At a time when flows are increasing, the whole pressure, and there is a very big issue with Syria - with migrants that will stay in our country because it is impossible to send them back using legal structures and measures - the necessary funds for Frontex are being reduced," the minister pointed out.
Kikilias presented statistics showing an increased flow of migrants to Greece from all countries of origin, including those with long-term problems and especially Syria.
"Our partners, during the Greek EU presidency, agreed on the need to support us. Now we are waiting to see this in practice," he added.
source: AMNA
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