ND spokesman criticises government over immigration policy

Main opposition New Democracy party spokesman Panos Panagiotopoulos, referring on Sunday to the government's immigration policy and in reply to a series of recent statement by government officials on the problem of illegal immigration, referred to "isolated measures" and "band aids." 

 

 Panagiotopoulos accused the Pasok government of "failing absolutely in its immigration policy, with very unfavourable consequences for Greek society ... it is trying now, with isolated measures, to correct the incorrigible problem." 

 

 ND called on the government "to change its policy in its entirety, because with half measures and 'band aids' with whatever construction of special fences in Evros cannot solve major problems." 

 

 Panagiotopoulos was referring to recent statements by Citizens' Protection Minister Christos Papoutsis, who announced a "get tough" policy in terms of illegal immigrants and the construction of a fence along the land border with Turkey. 

 

 He concluded his statement by saying "New Democracy has already shown the way, formulating a full immigration policy proposal, applicable immediately and effective."





ANA