Foreign minister spokesman on illegal migration, cooperation with Turkey

Foreign Ministry spokesman Grigoris Delavekouras, speaking in an interview with a local radio station on Monday, referred to the issue of illegal immigration as well as implementation, by Turkey, of a signed bilateral protocol regarding the repatriation of third country nationals illegally entering Greece from Turkey. 

 

 "We need much better cooperation with Turkey for a more effective management of its own borders, but at the same time, we need a greater involvement by the European Union as well." 

 

 Delavekouras reminded that "in May, when the Turkish prime minister came to our country, it was agreed, within the framework of 22 agreements, that Turkey will accept 1,000 appeals (by the Greek side) annually; that is a considerable improvement in the direction of the protocol's implementation." 

 

 "We are in discussions to enable the European Union to conclude a readmission protocol with Turkey," he added, clarifying that discussions are proceeding in this sector without a result reached until now. 

 

 "We believe that Turkey must also cooperate in terms of the readmission (protocol) and in terms of border control, because the pressure being sustained by both countries is undeniable ... so that they can jointly send a message to traffickers that this passage is closed," Delavekouras stressed.





ANA