Nearly 149,000 migrants crossed border to enter Greece, Turkish defence minister says

·

Almost 149,000 asylum-seekers and other migrants have crossed Turkey’s northwestern border to enter Greece since February 28, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Wednesday.

“We have had 148,763 people crossing the Greek border since February 28,” Mr Akar said in a televised interview.

Thousands of migrants waiting at the Greek-Turkish border. Source: AFP/ Getty Images.

Turkey has been a key transit point for migrants aiming to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

Thousands of migrants had camped at Turkey’s border with Greece after Ankara declared in late February that it would no longer stop them from going to Europe, accusing the EU of not upholding its part of a 2016 refugee deal.

In response, Greece decided to suspend new asylum applications until April and summarily deport those arriving in last month’s surge.

This move continues to be criticised by human rights agencies and non-governmental organisations such as Amnesty International and the Human Rights Watch.

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

Greek PM: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has ushered in new ‘cold war’

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, said on Thursday that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has ushered in “a new cold war."

Greece speaks out against recent Gaza hospital blast

Greece’s has spoken out against the attack that killed and injured hundreds at the Al-Ahli as-Arabi Hospital in the Gaza strip.

21-year-old, Dylan Birbas, avoids jail for six counts of drug trafficking

Dylan Birbas, 21, was “very lucky” to avoid jail in the Adelaide District Court on June 4 after he was caught dealing drugs.