Over the weekend various Greek media outlets have reported that a high number of migrants are being allowed to gather on the western coasts of Turkey in preparation to sail across the sea border to neighbouring Greece.
The sources quoted government officials in Athens who have warned that following their 14-day quarantine due to coronavirus, the migrants are being transferred to seaside towns just opposite the Greek island of Lesvos, which is already packed with migrants and refugees. They have also claimed that migrants are being encouraged by the Turkish authorities to sail over to Greece, amid fears that this could once again cause instability in the area similar to what happened earlier this year in February when thousands of migrants were allowed to enter EU territory across the Greek-Turkish land border.
On the north eastern Greek border of Evros, Greek police forces have used sound grenades and teargas in an attempt to control over 4,000 people who repeatedly attempted to access the country. The sources are also accusing Turkish authorities of using overflights over the islands of Mytilene and Chios to “distract” Greek authorities.
A local NGO, Josoor International Solidarity Movement, has confirmed the transfer of migrants to coastal areas, while expressing its concern that once again migrants are being used as a tool by the Turkish government. Moreover, Greek officials are also worried that the Turkish government is planning to send migrants infected with coronavirus to Greece and from there to the rest of Europe.
Greece’s Deputy Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Giorgos Koumoutsakos, said that “all possible migrants [reaching Greece] will be quarantined, whether there is a plan behind these migration flows or not.” He also urged Europe not to underestimate Turkey’s repeated threats, saying this is not a bluff.
“We have long pointed out that the repeated statements by the Turkish leadership about a possible ‘opening’ of the immigration gates should be taken seriously. These statements are clearly aimed at putting pressure on and blackmail Europe and have been going on for almost a year,” he added.
Boris Cheshirkov, a spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Greece, said sea arrivals to the Greek Aegean islands brought just a few dozen people in the past month, while asylum seekers are placed under a 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
“We have been concerned about the improper living conditions for some new arrivals who have been kept with limited access to showers and toilets, in some cases for days at a beach on northern Lesvos with little shelter from the elements,” he said.
Cheshirkov spoke about adequate shelter facilities required for arrivals for the 14-day quarantine period on the islands and at the Evros land border, while promising that the UN agency is ready to support the authorities.
“Greece has a legitimate obligation to manage its borders and irregular movements while allowing access to asylum, which is a fundamental human right. New arrivals can be received, screened, and quarantined in humane conditions while respecting refugee protection standards,” he concluded.
