Greek Minister of Shipping and the Aegean Miltiadis Varvitsiotis said some immigrants unlawfully pouring into Greece in hopes of finding asylum or going to other countries will be house in campsites on islands in the Aegean.
Talking to the Greek radio station Vima 99,5, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis said tents and chemical toilets will be set up in the spaces of temporary accommodation.
Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, who is ruling mostly by decree, has authorized ministers to make decisions without consulting Parliament and an order for the release of money for the campsites was expected to be given. Some port employees were reportedly buying food for immigrants out of their own pockets.
The minister also called the local port services to cooperate with the medical associations, as well as with the local lawyers’ associations. Greece is being inundated with immigrants because the country is the closest southernmost entry point and government officials said the European Union isn’t doing enough to help.
Human rights groups have complained that many immigrants are being kept in detention camps in intolerable conditions and that some vessels carrying them have been pushed back away from the shore by the Coast Guard.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
