Greece boosts forces at Evros as it braces for new migrant crisis

·

Greek authorities have confirmed the defence of its border with Turkey will be boosted, amid expectations migrants may renew their attempts to reach Europe. 

An additional 400 police will be sent to the northeastern Evros river border region “as a precautionary measure,” police spokesman, Thodoros Chronopoulos, told AFP.

The move follows statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, who said that when countries begin lifting their coronavirus lockdowns, migrants will again attempt to cross to Europe.

Border guards patrolling Evros border. Photo: Hellenic Republic Press Office.

The border area was the scene of violent push-backs of migrants in March after Turkey said it would no longer prevent migrants from attempting to reach the European Union.

For days, Greek riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at migrants trying to cross the border.

But more recently, Athens has said it would extend a razor-wire fence at the border, a move that has created a new dispute with Ankara.

Turkey says it should be consulted about the fence expansion, noting that the Evros riverbed “has significantly changed due to natural and artificial reasons” since the border was established in 1926.

Greece responded by saying it is not obliged to consult Turkey about infrastructure on its own side of the border.

“We will proceed with the fence expansion. It is our constitutional obligation to protect Greek soil,” said Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias.

READ MORE: ‘State of emergency’ not over on Evros border, Minister says.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Earlwood’s Greek spirit centre stage as ‘Plateia’ Festival secures state funding

The City of Canterbury Bankstown will host the “Love Earlwood” festival thanks to the NSW Government’s Open Streets 2025-28 Program.

Greek Consul General honoured at Hellenic Club farewell event in Sydney

Sydney’s Greek community came together on Thursday for a dignified farewell dinner in honour of Greece’s Consul General, Ioannis Mallikourtis

Field of candidates announced for 2025 Greek Community of Melbourne Board election

Greek Community of Melbourne has officially called elections for a new Board of Directors, with members set to head to the polls on June 29.

Australia Cup 2025: Strong Greek heritage club presence as Final 32 locked in

The cast for the Hahn Australia Cup 2025 Round of 32 has been decided following the completion of the Preliminary Rounds.

Apostolakis and Trimis named on Young Matildas squad for upcoming training camp

CommBank Young Matildas Head Coach Alex Epakis has settled on a 32-player squad for a domestic training camp to be held in Sydney.

You May Also Like

German Chancellor condemns Turkish challenges against Greece’s sovereignty

German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz has condemned Turkey’s position challenging Greece’s sovereignty over its Aegean islands.

Greek Australians named as finalists in the Westfield Local Heroes 2021

Two Greek Australians from South Australia have been named finalists for the 2021 Westfield Local Heroes Awards.

Sydney Olympic FC secure victory over local rivals Rockdale Ilinden

Sydney Olympic FC secured a 3-1 victory over local rivals Rockdale Ilinden at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday evening.