Switzerland to Greece to help refugees

Mario Gattiker, Secretary of state for Migration, offered on Monday in Brussels on the sidelines of the EU interior Minister meeting his Greek counterpart Giorgos Koumoutsakos in coping with the many refugees in Switzerland. First, it needs according to Gattiker, but a careful Needs assessment.

in Greece the Numbers of arrivals have increased the migrants since the beginning of the year strong again. Per day there are currently 500 or more landings of people in Greece, said Gattiker. "It's the highest number since the refugee crisis". Since the beginning of the year Greece, 82'000 landings and a little more asylum applications count. In addition, there are more than 90'000 pending tasks.

Greece should, therefore, be a priority for Europe but also for Switzerland. "We are decidedly of the opinion that the outer limits of States under high migration pressure", should be supported, said the Secretary of state. Since 2015, as hundreds of thousands of refugees to Europe, Switzerland and Athens, about the asylum procedure, the returning, and in the care of unaccompanied Minors.

Switzerland Also helped with the Installation of two accommodation centres and delivered several Hundred beds, and tents for the Greek Islands. And at the Athens airport, you can support a officials of the border guard corps, the local authorities in the checking of documents.

help needed

His Greek counterpart he said, "that we are willing to do in all areas," said Gattiker. Especially in the case of the asylum procedure. Greece am currently working on an asylum reform, the accelerated asylum provision procedures. "Switzerland is willing to share our Knowledge here." You've already had good experiences.

The reinforcement of humanitarian aid will also be examined, said Gattiker more. Similarly, the support provided by the border guard. The additional help can be tuned "on a clear needs" of the Greek authorities, stressed Gattiker. You'll make at the beginning of the year a joint needs analysis.

"It is in the best interest of Switzerland, that the external borders are protected, and that's a good migration management will be made." As a Schengen-associated country Switzerland is, therefore, in all of this area is active, reasoned the Secretary of state, the offer of help.

Gattiker was represented by Federal councillor Karin Keller-Sutter to the EU interior Minister meeting in Brussels. The Ministers discussed, among other things, for years, blocked asylum reform, terrorism, as well as increased external border control. Were to decide on Monday but no like. (sda/red)

Created: 02.12.2019, 17:19 PM