The procedures for the extension of the fence on the Evros and the upgrade of the electronic means of surveillance of the borders are immediately started “Against the instrumentalization of immigrants from Turkey and the rings of smugglers of false hope we must be united”
In the month of August alone, which has not yet ended, 25,000 irregular immigrants have tried to enter illegally from the Greek-Turkish border, the Minister of Citizen Protection said speaking to ANT1. Takis Theodorikakos.
“This is a very large number. Every day, the forces of the Greek security authorities, primarily the Greek Police together with the Greek Army, have an extremely difficult task, which is made even more difficult because it is obvious that the Turkish side is proceeding with a systematic, methodical and complex instrumentalization of these unfortunates people who have left their countries. A large number now trying to come to Greece are mainly from Syria and people are forced, as they are faced with dilemmas from what appears to be the side of the Turkish authorities, either to return to Syria or to advance towards Greece” he noted Mr. Theodorikakos.
“Access is facilitated by the level of the Evros”
Referring to Evro the Minister of Citizen Protection said that in the summer the depth of the river in many places, tens of kilometers long, is very low, it is not even half a meter.
“One can easily cross and find himself on the islets that are usually in the middle of the river Evros. They go there, declare that they are in danger and try to get the European Authorities to make decisions, usually the European Court of Human Rights to make a rescue investigation process. These people are not in real danger, their lives are not in danger. The organized interests leave them and then call for the Greek Police to pick them up. So I will repeat unequivocally: The Greek Police is not going to be a smuggler of false hopes to irregular immigrants”.
Peculiar threat
The Minister of Citizen Protection added: “Greek men and women should know the truth and not underestimate the problem. It may be that in February and March of 2020 these thousands of people were concentrated at a certain point on the border and attempted to enter en masse, but at this moment, a very peculiar threat to our homeland’s integrity and security is developing. us, as this month alone, 25,000 people across the board have attempted to break in and are methodically and systematically using these types of tricks.”
Mr. Tsipras has not apologized yet
Referring to the attitude of Alexis Tsipras, he said: “There are the agreements of 1923 and 1926, which define where the line is between the two countries. You realize that over time the geographical changes of the river and how deep it goes inland from one side to the other has undergone changes, but this line has not changed.
The competent Geographical Service of the Army General Staff is responsible for telling us where the border line between Greece and Turkey is at the river Evros. For this reason, a few days ago I called the leader of the official opposition to apologize from these people, to apologize to our police and military, who are literally giving themselves with self-sacrifice along with our acrites in Evros to guard our borders, because the particular islet in which Greece was accused of not intervening , the coordinates show that they are inside Turkish territory.
If there is anyone to dispute this they should do so with evidence, but you see they have been silent for four days now. Let them behave with seriousness and responsibility in such a critical and serious issue that touches national interests and let us all join our forces in dealing with this threat, because we live in a very difficult time and in a very difficult area”.
Immediately the procedures for extending the fence
Speaking about the extension of the fence on the Evros, Mr. Theodorikakos noted: “The river forms a length of border between Greece and Turkey of around 200 kilometers. An artificial barrier – fence – exists at 37.5 kilometers, it is 12 in the northern part, where the border between Greece and Turkey is land, and in the southern part staggered about 25 kilometers, which were built in record time immediately after 2020.
Experience and the work of the security authorities of our country, the police and the army have shown that in the places where the fence has been built, things are extremely simpler. The work of the Security Forces is simpler and easier. This basic fact and the persistent pressure that exists on our borders and the escalation of the threat, led the KYSEA under the Prime Minister to take the decision to build the artificial dam in the entirety of the river Evros. Of course, gradually, incrementally, because it is impossible to do this overnight, because very important funding is needed.
The tender procedures to proceed with the project, which is the responsibility of the Ministry of Citizen Protection, will begin in the next few weeks, without the slightest delay.”
Upgrading the electronic means of supervision
Also, the Minister of Citizen Protection added: “In Evros, our government has hired several hundred Border Guards and there is a significant force of the Greek Police, which acts in coordination with the Greek Army. During the winter another 250 Border Guards will be added. I want to point out that the decision of KYSEA is to upgrade the technical, electronic means of monitoring the river.
There is the automated system with cameras, thermal cameras, however we believe it needs to be further upgraded. We will use the most modern technology available in the world from people who have significant experience in dealing with these types of situations.”
Greece is a safe destination for tourists
“No one goes for tourism in a country if they don’t feel safe. Security is a positive factor to multiply tourist flows” added Mr. Theodorikakos and added: “Our tourism is the main axis of recovery of the Greek economy and we must protect it as the apple of our eye, just as the Greeks must take care to keep strong and alive the concepts, which our own words, such as philotimo and hospitality.
For this we insisted very strongly, the two citizens who were involved in or caused this episode with the German tourists had to be arrested. The case is in the Court, which will assign the responsibilities. Greece is a state of law and all visitors to our country are absolutely safe to enjoy the beauty of our country.”
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