Shortly after the critical summit meeting in Brussels ended, the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras commented that Turkey’s key-role in reducing the flow of refugees was recognized and underlined the need for Turkish authorities to implement everything agreed with the EU.
The Greek PM also commented that the importance of the bilateral relations with Turkey were also recognized and that it is necessary for the bilateral agreements on migration to come into force, so that those not recognized as refugees are promptly returned to Turkey.
Additionally, Mr. Tsipras told journalists that the EU committed to pressuring third countries to activate older agreements or accept the return of migrants. The Prime Minister added that legal and safe passage must be provided for refugees, as well as a comprehensive return policy for those not able to claim asylum.
Europe has also agreed to work on relocating refugees directly from Turkey, rather than waiting for them to enter EU territories, with a mechanism expected to come into place in February. Mr. Tsipras also noted that Greece will fulfill its obligations in documenting refugees arriving on the Greek islands as well as completing construction of relocation centers inland.
“We will continue to fulfill our humanitarian duty” he underlined and stressed that the future of Europe cannot be one of “fences and violence”, but one of “solidarity, humanity and shared responsibility”.
Finally, on the critical subject of the plans for an EU border and coast guard agency, the Greek PM welcomed the initiative, but stated that it must be clear that the protection of external borders will remain a national affair. He added that the final decisions on the matter will be taken by June.
Tsipras to meet Merkel and Hollande
On Friday, Prime Minister Tsipras is scheduled to meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande on the sidelines of the European summit in Brussels.
