Greece claims Turkey tried to help migrants enter its waters

·

Greek authorities have thwarted an attempt by Turkish coast guard vessels to escort a boat carrying migrants into Greek waters off the island of Lesbos.

A coast guard statement said the migrant boat was spotted in Turkish waters early Wednesday, and nearby Turkish patrol boats ignored repeated appeals to stop it before eventually picking up the migrants several hours later.

“The boat did not enter Greek waters at any point, despite efforts by the Turkish patrol boats to escort it in,” the statement said.

Turkish coast guard vessels attempted to escort a boat carrying migrants into Greek waters. Source: Wikimedia.

Relations between the two historic rivals are tense over offshore exploration rights and an attempted incursion into Greece by thousands of asylum-seekers this year.

Greece has stepped up security at its land and sea frontier with Turkey since late February, when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared Turkey’s borders with Greece open to migrants and refugees who were seeking to illegally enter Europe from his country.

Greece’s army and police sealed the northeastern land border after thousands of people were bused to the Turkish side, and weeks of tension followed as migrants repeatedly tried to force their way into Greece. Athens accused Turkey of encouraging and aiding the attempted mass entry.

Since February, thousands of migrants and asylum seekers have attempted to enter Greece from Turkey. Source: AFP.

Turkish officials alleged that tens of thousands of people managed to enter Greece, although no evidence of that was seen. Greek authorities said they arrested several hundred who had managed to cross the border. Attempted entries by sea were comparatively minimal.

Tens of thousands of migrants were already in Greece before the crisis, mostly arriving from Turkey. Nearly 40,000 are still stuck in squalid, overcrowded camps on Lesbos and other Greek islands.

Under a 2016 deal, Turkey agreed to stem the tide of refugees to Europe in return for financial aid after more than a million people entered Europe in 2015. It has since protested that the EU failed to honor the deal.

Source: The Associated Press.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Three generations of Greek Australian Christmas celebrations

The Tragellis-Alepidis women, each with their own Christmas memories, have woven a beautiful tapestry of tradition, love, and family.

‘It’s magical’: Why Greek Australians love Christmas in Greece

We spoke with several Greek Australians who have spent the festive season in different parts of Greece - Athens, Larissa, Elis, and Katerini.

Thessaloniki at Christmas: Rich history, culture and festive charm

Each December, Thessaloniki transforms into a winter destination, composing a blend of rich history, culture, and Christmas charm.

Jaaks and The Kyle Bay win at the 2024 National Restaurant and Catering Awards

Jaaks and The Kyle Bay have received two prestigious awards at the recent 2024 National Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence.

Why John and Joanne celebrate Christmas in Greece the British way

Joanne and John's Christmas celebrations take place in Greece, but it is a British-style Christmas for the couple and their family.

You May Also Like

Bill to lift voting restrictions for Greeks abroad tabled in Parliament

The Greek Interior Ministry bill to lift restrictions for Greek citizens voting in elections abroad was tabled in Parliament on Monday.

Agios Efstratios becomes Greece’s first fully green, energy-autonomous island

The northern Aegean island of Agios Efstratios (Ai Stratis) has successfully completed a pilot project to run entirely on green energy.

Australia’s oldest Greek cafe and milk bar to reopen with new owners

After opening in 1902, the cafe has been run by Greek-Australians continuously throughout its history.