Greek migration minister vows tougher policies after arrivals rise
Greece’s migration minister said criticism from rights groups would not alter plans to strengthen border measures. Officials reported a more than 20 percent increase in migrant arrivals on Crete through May.
The Independent” The minister told private broadcaster Action 24 that the days when officials from Brussels or the United Nations could dictate Greek migration policy were over. He added that every expression of concern from U.N. envoys strengthened his resolve to maintain the current legislation.
Rising arrivals prompt new cooperation Greek authorities recorded 5,500 migrant arrivals and interceptions off Crete through May, a more than 20 percent increase from the same period last year. The pace of arrivals has risen further since early June.
The minister said rights groups and charities have no role in shaping Greek migration policy. Greece is offering eastern Libya’s authorities coast guard training and support for employment programs to reduce departures across the Mediterranean. Deputy commander Saddam Hifter of eastern Libya’s armed forces met Monday with Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The meetings focused on strengthening cooperation to curb migrant crossings. The European Union approved tougher migration measures last week even as overall crossings from North Africa and the Middle East declined.
