Greek minister accuses Turkey of trying to provoke by illegally pushing migrant boats

Athens/Ankara: – Notis Mitarachi, Greek Minister of Migration, accused Turkey of inciting Greece with intrusions by migrant ships. Satellite photographs had exposed Turkey was purposely pushing thousands of immigrants towards Greece. After that, Greece built fencings and deployed additional security forces to stop the immigrant influx. But the Turkish activities continue even after that. Besides, it is indicated that the tension between the countries festering furthermore.

There is tremendous tension reigning between Greece and Turkey over the oilfields in the Mediterranean Sea region. Turkey has consistently tried to incite Greece by sending its ships near the Greek marine region and issuing threats. Greece, taking an aggressive stance, has made massive military deployments to stop Turkey. At the same time, Greece has succeeded in increasing international pressure on Turkey and the European Union has even imposed sanctions against Turkey in this matter.

A few days ago, five countries made a collective demand that the European Union should take an aggressive stand to stop these Turkish activities. Turkey had reacted very strongly against this. Now Turkey seems to have started efforts to pressurise Greece and the European Union, using the immigrants. As per the agreement signed between the European Union and Turkey, the responsibility of providing asylum to the immigrants was given to Turkey. The European Union had provided Turkey will financial assistance and large-scale trade concessions. But Turkey is trying to misuse this and using the immigrants as a weapon against Europe.

Only last year, Turkey had threatened that it would release a huge migrant influx into Europe. Against this background, the fresh allegation made by the Greek Minister draws attention. Notis Mitarachi, Greek Minister of Migration, warned that the Turkish Navy and coast guard are conniving to push the immigrant ships into the European limits. The Greek coast guard has noted many such incidents on Friday. This is an attempt to incite Greece. Turkey should immediately stop these activities and inciting Greece.

But Turkey has dismissed these accusations and claimed that the Greek minister is spreading false information. Turkish Deputy Minister Internal Security Ismail Katakli said that Greece has sent 231 immigrants back, which amounts to a crime against humanity. The Turkish coast guard also said that it rescued immigrants sent back by Greece.