Ioannis Plakiotakis: We managed to have zero flows but we do not complacent (Video)

The effectiveness of the Hellenic Coast Guard's reinforcement measures to block the ever-increasing migratory flows in the Eastern Aegean islands was reported by the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Ioannis Plakiotakis, on Sunday at Ant1 Tv.

"The government has reacted swiftly and decisively to the asymmetric threat the country has been facing in recent days. We moved very quickly at the diplomatic level, so we had the first political victories and at the practical level we secured significant funding and increased operational resources by activating the rapid response units expected to deploy in the next few days, while increasing our high level of protection of the maritime borders of our country with additional operational means, additional personnel, with increased patrols and we managed, at this time, to have zero flows. This in no way reassures us. ”he said.

On Saturday, Mr Plakiotakis in a televised appearance on Mega Tv, referred to the European Union and the need to continue positive initiatives to strengthen Greece: "Our European partners need to understand that Greece is currently providing the highest service in Europe. It is protecting European borders and I believe that further initiatives are expected in the near future so that European solidarity can be reflected in practice. I believe that we have had the first positive steps, these should continue.”

Commenting on the announcement by the Turkish coastguard, which announced Friday morning that it would allow refugees and migrants access to the Aegean, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy said:

"The announcement by the Turkish Coast Guard is an acknowledgment of what has been done so far by Turkey, where it has allowed migrants to cross the border despite repeated Greek complaints. It also shows that the diplomatic and informational effort on the part of the government works. All this, forced Turkey to change its attitude and show a different face. But they have to be proven in practice. In any case, we continue to safeguard the maritime borders of our country with undiminished intensity. "