Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras underlined the need for a European solution to the refugee crisis, upon his arrival at the leaders EU Summit in Brussels on Sunday.
“I hope common ground can be found for this difficult problem. I believe we are before a huge humanitarian crisis. We must try to find a European solution”, stated Tsipras, adding that “unfortunately, until today it was difficult to find a solution due to the stance of some countries’.”
“This means that there must be a share of responsibilities between the [EU] member state countries, and towards this positive direction is the European Commission’s initiative for today’s meeting” said the Greek premier. Tsipras commented on the fact that Turkey was not invited to the Summit despite its very important role in today’s meeting.
Everybody knows that on the other side of the so-called Balkan corridor is an entrance, Tsipras noted. “If we do not succeed to agree with the ‘entrance’ country, I am afraid that the solution will be difficult to be found” stated Tsipras and concluded that Greece will do whatever possible in order for today’s discussions to be constructive towards the direction of an effort to reduce the migration inflow.
When asked about the hotspots in Greece, Tsipras said that the country will fulfil its commitments on time, adding that by the end of the year five hotspots will be ready on the Greek islands. He specifically said that the hotspot on the island of Lesvos will be ready by the end of November and that in December the other four hotspots will open. He noted, however, that the other countries should also assume their responsibilities on this issue.
(With information from ANA-MPA)
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