Over 10,000 immigrants and refugees stranded at Greece-FYROM border
Mar, 02 2016
Author: newsroom At the same time FYROM has reinforced security measures at the buffer zone
The refugee camp at Greece-FYROM borders is more than fully
packed, since about 10,000 immigrants and refugees are trapped in
Idomeni, northern Greece, while FYROM continues to essentially keep its
border closed.
On Wednesday morning, FYROM authorities opened the buffer zone between Greece and FYROM and allowed only 50 people to enter after being thoroughly searched, while more than 10,000 people are still waiting.
At the same time FYROM has reinforced security measures at the buffer zone in order to avert another attempt by migrants and refugees to break through the barriers and cross the border, as FYROM media reported on Tuesday. They have significantly increase the police and military forces deployed, while two army and police helicopters are carrying out regular aerial patrols. According to sources, an additional 700 police officers and military troops had been sent to the area.
In addition, FYROM Foreign Ministry spoke of possible conflicts between neighbors in an interview with German newspaper Handelsblatt, saying that “a serious conflict in the Balkans” is a scenario that could become reality if refugee flows continue unabated.
About 6,000 immigrants and refugees are waiting on the Greek islands of the northern Aegean, according to police authorities, while tourist companies representing ferries operating routes to Lesvos and Chios stopped issuing ferry tickets to refugees and immigrants, in line with a decision by the Shipping ministry to delay the transport of people to the mainland.
Moreover, about 3,000 refugees are staying at the terminals of Piraeus port with more people expected to arrive on Wednesday. Ariadne ferry is expected to dock at Piraeus carrying 829 immigrants and refugees from Chios and Mytilene.
On Wednesday morning, FYROM authorities opened the buffer zone between Greece and FYROM and allowed only 50 people to enter after being thoroughly searched, while more than 10,000 people are still waiting.
At the same time FYROM has reinforced security measures at the buffer zone in order to avert another attempt by migrants and refugees to break through the barriers and cross the border, as FYROM media reported on Tuesday. They have significantly increase the police and military forces deployed, while two army and police helicopters are carrying out regular aerial patrols. According to sources, an additional 700 police officers and military troops had been sent to the area.
In addition, FYROM Foreign Ministry spoke of possible conflicts between neighbors in an interview with German newspaper Handelsblatt, saying that “a serious conflict in the Balkans” is a scenario that could become reality if refugee flows continue unabated.
About 6,000 immigrants and refugees are waiting on the Greek islands of the northern Aegean, according to police authorities, while tourist companies representing ferries operating routes to Lesvos and Chios stopped issuing ferry tickets to refugees and immigrants, in line with a decision by the Shipping ministry to delay the transport of people to the mainland.
Moreover, about 3,000 refugees are staying at the terminals of Piraeus port with more people expected to arrive on Wednesday. Ariadne ferry is expected to dock at Piraeus carrying 829 immigrants and refugees from Chios and Mytilene.