Plevris ultimatum to Cretans on illegal migrants: “Decide now
Greece's Migration Minister gave Crete authorities one week to propose a migrant accommodation site or the ministry will decide independently, after seven previous locations were rejected.
The issue of temporary accommodation for migrants in Crete remains unresolved, with the Minister of Migration and Asylum giving local authorities a one-week deadline to suggest a suitable location. The announcement was made by him in an interview with Radio Crete and Manolis Argyrakis.
As he stated, if no agreement is reached, the ministry will proceed to make the decision on its own, a development that even he does not wish for. Mr. Plevrys responded to the reactions that have been expressed, particularly in the tourist Municipality of Hersonissos, assuring that the facility will be closed and will not cause problems for the local community. “They will not be circulating freely,” he emphasized.
“We’re not playing pass the buck”
The minister recalled that since last September, the ministry has proposed seven different locations in consultation with the Region and municipalities, but all were rejected. He even expressed his appreciation for the stance of Chania, where the facility in Agia operates without problems, even within the urban fabric.
“At the old KTEO, what we are currently doing at the old cold storage facility in the port of Heraklion will take place, which is an unsuitable and small space,” he explained. “We expect many arrivals in the summer and the issue must be resolved immediately. We cannot continue to play pass the buck. I appeal to local authorities to propose an alternative location to me.”
Mr. Plevrys characterized the building in Malades as an ideal solution, as well as that of the former KTEO, noting that there will always be reactions, whether the location is in the urban fabric or in a tourist area.
Immediate transfer to mainland Greece
At the same time, the minister assured that locations have been secured in mainland Greece for the immediate transfer of migrants from Heraklion. The special vessel for transfers is expected to be available from July.
In parallel, Thanos Plevrys also referred to the measures being taken by the government to limit migration flows from Libya, amid the increased pressure that Crete has been receiving recently.
As Ekriti notes, the discussion about creating a suitable facility comes while reactions and mobilizations are already being recorded in areas such as Karteros.
