Mitsotakis on Greece’s refugee policies: “we will send you back”

·

“It is unacceptable for Greece to treat refugees on their own…We must create a convention on asylum and immigration, as promised by the Commission, and tackle the problem with fair burden-sharing,” said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in an interview with German newspaper, Bild.

“We must send a clear message to the circuits: You should know that when you come to Greece…you have no right to international protection, we will send you back,” said Kyriakos Mitsotakis. 

Referring to those who try to enter the country illegally, he points out: “If one wants to enter the territorial waters, they must first tell him that he enters the territorial waters illegally. This does not mean that the vessel must be in danger, but the coastguard is not a host or travel agency. It is intended to guard the border and, of course, save anyone at risk at sea. The sea has borders. It’s just a lot harder to keep track of. But border management is the exclusive prerogative of the state.”

Asked if he is afraid of a “hot incident” with Turkey, he replies, “No. Of course there is always the chance, but what if I’m afraid? No, I’m not afraid. I don’t think things will get out of control. You referred to the word ‘crisis’. I think we have an aggravated situation. This MOU signed with Libya is illegal and invalid. Everyone agrees on this, the European Union, America, Russia, Egypt and Israel. Everyone seems to agree that what Turkey has done is provocative and illegal. Therefore, I believe that Turkey will become increasingly isolated on this issue. We have made it clear that we want to talk, but we will not accept any violation of our sovereign rights. Because, we respect international law. It is Turkey that does not respect the law of the sea, not us,” said the Prime Minister.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis says Greece’s debts will be repaid and the country’s development is at a pivotal point. 

“For the first time, Greece borrowed in the short term at a negative rate. Who would have thought that this would have been possible a few months ago? At some point our 10-year bond was trading at a lower yield than the Italian bond,” he said while calling on the Germans to invest in Greece. 

“It is an invitation to the world to buy real estate, as the Greek real estate market is very attractive. It is not just an invitation for tourists. It’s an invitation to spend their winter here. There are many, many opportunities for retirees,” he said.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister meets Sydney’s Greek business and community leaders

Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece Ioannis Loverdos met with Sydney’s Greek business and community leaders at a Business Sydney breakfast.

Conquest unveils $900 million plan for former Cyprus Club site at Stanmore

Conquest has lodged plans for a $900m retail and residential precinct on the site of the former Cyprus Community of NSW Club in Stanmore.

Councillor Katerine Theodosis calls on Merri-Bek to preserve its proud migrant history

Merri-Bek Councillor Katerine Theodosis has tasked Council to lead a program which documents and showcases the city’s migrant history. 

AHEPA Australia launches ‘Saving Hearts’ fundraiser in support of Heart Foundation

AHEPA Australia will host a Saving Hearts Fundraiser on Sunday, October 12, at The Grand Roxy in Sydney in support of the Heart Foundation.

Former Sydney teacher Bill Kafataris jailed for child sexual grooming

Bill Kafataris, 57, has been sentenced to two years in jail after being found guilty of sexually grooming a child following a retrial.

You May Also Like

‘Very nervous about it’: Greek parents react to NSW Government’s return to school plan

Greek parents have reacted to the NSW Government's return to school plan, telling The Greek Herald they feel nervous.

Ancient Greek healing temple in Trikala to be restored

The ancient Asclepieion in Thessaly, an important healing temple of the Greek empire across time, will be restored. 

Unsung heroes of Cyprus: Christakis Stylianou’s three-month ordeal in Turkish prison

As the anniversary of the second invasion of Cyprus approaches, Christakis Stylianou speaks about his traumatic experiences of captivity.