Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that the best way to limit the refugee flow is to expel Greece from the Schengen Area, according to Slovak media.

Mr. Fico claimed that Greece has no place in the Schengen Area and everyone is convinced about that. Asked, however, on whether this is being officially discussed, he responded negatively.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Konstantinos Koutras made the following statement in response to journalists’ questions regarding recent statements from the Prime Minister of Slovakia concerning Greece’s position in the Schengen Area:

“The Prime Minister of Slovakia, possibly because he comes from a country that has neither sea nor islands, cannot correctly evaluate all of the parameters and peculiarities of guarding maritime borders, all the more so when these borders are being flooded with thousands of needy people who are escaping from the hell of war.

We extend an open invitation to Mr. Fico, before he renews his search for a scapegoat, to visit one of the Aegean islands to examine the situation on the ground, be briefed by the competent authorities, and form a personal opinion on this issue.”