In a statement to the German newspaper Bild the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis He says:

‘Faced with the sharp increase in irregular arrivals By sea from North Africa, especially from Libya to Crete, we have taken the difficult but absolutely necessary decision to temporarily suspend the process of examining asylum applications for those who arrive by sea from North African countries.

This decision sends a clear message that does not allow misunderstandings to immigrant trafficking networks: Greece is not an open way of crossing. The journey is dangerous, the result is uncertain and the money paid to the traffickers are eventually lost unnecessarily. Illegal entrances will not lead to a legal installation.

Our message is clear: Greece is not an open corridor to Europe. We are ready to work closely with the Libyan authorities so that we can stop departures at the starting point.

But we also need a single European answer.

Greece remains committed to a fair and effective immigration policy, including legal immigration routes, but the current situation requires immediate action. And this is not only Greece’s responsibility, it is also the responsibility of Europe. “