The Greek authorities will soon enter into consultations with the European Border and Coast Guard Frontex. After a boat disaster full of asylum seekers, the French newspaper Le Monde reported at the end of June that Frontex is seriously considering suspending its activities in Greece. Dimitris Kairidis, the new Greek Migration Minister, is determined to prevent this.
During an interview on public television ERT, Kairidis stated: “I find it unthinkable that Frontex would leave our country. I can’t imagine them shooting themselves in the foot.” He indicated that he was aware of a report of a meeting at Frontex after the disaster on 13 June, where the presence of the border agency in Greece was discussed. Kairidis emphasized the importance of good cooperation and took the criticism to heart. He schedules meetings with Frontex representatives, who have their headquarters in Warsaw.
At least 82 people died in the boat disaster last month. The exact death toll is unclear, as there may have been hundreds more people on board. After the sinking of the ship, there was a discussion about whether sufficient efforts were made to save those on board.
Unfair
On 24 June, Frontex stated that Athens had ignored an offer for additional air support after alerting the Greek authorities and following the craft for 10 minutes on the day of the tragedy. Survivors accused the Greek coastguard of causing the shipwreck by trying to tow the boat away, but the coastguard denies these allegations.
Minister Kairidis stressed that no one knows exactly what happened and called the accusations against Greece “unfair”. He is determined to thoroughly investigate the situation and ensure that there is good cooperation between Greece and Frontex to ensure the safety and well-being of all people navigating Greek waters.
READ ALSO. Border guard EU about boat disaster: “Greek coast guard declined offer of help”
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