German FM: EU-Turkey deal is true path for solution
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier defended the deal between Turkey and the EU regarding migrants, saying it is the right way to solve the crisis, Deutsche Welle reported yesterday.
Steinmeier also criticized unilateral steps by some European Union member countries in a bid to stem the influx of migrants into Europe. "Several Eastern European countries cause trouble for other countries by only focusing on their own problems. Hundreds of migrants have been in the middle of the humanitarian crisis in Greece because of lack of cooperation," Steinmeier said.
There are still more than 50,000 migrants in Greece, according to estimates of a crisis committee in Athens, while more than 11,500 of them are stranded in Idomeni camp near the Macedonian border. Steinmeier said the number of these migrants who struggle to survive may have been more than 100,000 if the EU and Turkey did not reach a deal. "That's why the Turkey-EU deal and support for Greece is the right way to solve this problem," Steinmeier added.
Steinmeier also highlighted the decline in the number of migrants crossing from Turkey to Greece. Greek authorities on Saturday said the flow of refugees from Turkey to Greece is slowing. In the space of 24 hours, only 78 people crossed from the Turkish coast to Greece's eastern Aegean islands, the Greek refugee crisis committee said. Steinmeier emphasized that Turkey is an important partner particularly because of its geographic location. "Whether you like it or not, it is a reality that this process requires responsibility," Steinmeier said.
Steinmeier also criticized unilateral steps by some European Union member countries in a bid to stem the influx of migrants into Europe. "Several Eastern European countries cause trouble for other countries by only focusing on their own problems. Hundreds of migrants have been in the middle of the humanitarian crisis in Greece because of lack of cooperation," Steinmeier said.
There are still more than 50,000 migrants in Greece, according to estimates of a crisis committee in Athens, while more than 11,500 of them are stranded in Idomeni camp near the Macedonian border. Steinmeier said the number of these migrants who struggle to survive may have been more than 100,000 if the EU and Turkey did not reach a deal. "That's why the Turkey-EU deal and support for Greece is the right way to solve this problem," Steinmeier added.
Steinmeier also highlighted the decline in the number of migrants crossing from Turkey to Greece. Greek authorities on Saturday said the flow of refugees from Turkey to Greece is slowing. In the space of 24 hours, only 78 people crossed from the Turkish coast to Greece's eastern Aegean islands, the Greek refugee crisis committee said. Steinmeier emphasized that Turkey is an important partner particularly because of its geographic location. "Whether you like it or not, it is a reality that this process requires responsibility," Steinmeier said.