The prefect of the Southern Aegean, Giorgos Hatzimarkos is visiting the island of Kos to discuss with local authorities the ways to address the massive inflow of undocumented migrants and refugees at the island. Authorities estimate about 3,000 migrants and refugees are currently in Kos.
Speaking at a press conference, Hatzimarkos said the parliament finally approved an amendment he had requested himself from Interior Minister Nikos Voutsis, allowing local authorities to allocate their funds for tackling migration. Hatzimarkos, who said he had criticized the government for delaying the approval by the parliament, said the amendment will help the prefecture of the Southern Aegean to contribute decisively in relieving the problem.
“The amendment has passed; we’re going to Kos with a wider ability to intervene,” he told journalists and added that similar actions will take place in Leros and Kalymnos, where irregular migration has swelled.
Migration Commissioner Avramopoulos urges Tsipras to set up authority to receive EU funds
European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos urged Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in a telephone conversation on Tuesday to designate immediately the authority which will be responsible for collecting EU financial assistance to tackle immigration.
The emergency EU funds are to be allocated for the provision of asylum services, for managing migration flows and the hospitality centers, providing civil protection and more.
(source: ana-mpa)
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