«The fence is going up… whether you like it or not»

«Last year Greece was called upon to deal with 128.000 illegal immigrants. In the last 4 years this number has reached 512.000. 50.000 entered from Turkey alone, in the first months of 2010, 43.500 of which came through Evros. This is the cruel reality and we have the responsibility towards the Greek citizens to deal with it».

This statement about the increasing waves of immigrants was made by the minister of Citizen Protection, who reiterated that our country will take drastic measures against massive illegal immigration, such as the fence along the land borders.

Replying directly to Turkish comments, he said «It is hypocritical for those who accuse Greece of not guarding its borders, according to the Schengen agreement, to come out now as its critics, because the country just wants to guard its borders».

«Maybe some would like to make Greece a center for long stay and examination of asylum claims of immigrants who come from around the world and seek to reach other European Union countries. But the Greek society cannot carry this burden. This is why we take measures and insist on the revision of the Dublin II Regulation, which brings Greece in the face of unbearable responsibilities».

On the issue for human rights protection, Papoutsis stressed that himself and the government have a certain sensitivity towards the agony and hope of immigrants for a better life. «We take all these measures for those who have the right to asylum and international protection. We also take all steps to integrate into Greek society all those who wish to acquire the right under state laws».

«I would like to stress, however, that the government bears total responsibility of protecting the rights of Greek citizens and those who live permanently in Greece. This is required by the constitutional order of our country and its legal culture. This is required by our obligation towards the EU, as a community of values that ensures security, social peace, cohesion and solidarity».

Papoutsis concluded by saying that «Such measures are not directed in any way against Turkey. On the contrary, they enforce our collaboration with Turkey against illegal immigration, the effective implementation of the bilateral agreement on readmission and the resolute response against trafficking circuits operating in both countries and internationally».