Greece agrees on NATO migration patrols in Aegean Sea

Greece welcomed NATO’s involvement in dealing with refugee and migration flows

There is no official statement issued by the Ministry of Defense in order to announce the decisions taken at today’s NATO meeting.

However, ANA-MPA news agency citing a government source reported that Greece welcomed  NATO’s involvement in dealing with refugee and migration flows as long as the country’s sovereignty is respected.

The same source noted that “The initiative is on the side of what we want,” adding that “It finds us in agreement provided there is respect for the country’s territorial waters and no violations of the country’s sovereign rights.”

The German proposal refers to a specific naval force in the Mediterranean, called SSNG, which “will undertake this task under NATO umbrella in order to stop the flow on the Turkish side, the government source explained.

In addition, those rescued at sea will be sent to Turkey, while NATO will protect international rules and agreements, the source added. Greece’s ships will operate in Greece, Turkey’s ships in Turkey and those of third countries on both sides, the source added, noting that Greece took a positive view of reinforcing the Navy with eight ships.