Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced in Parliament a tougher stance on migration, following increased flows from Libya to Crete. Meanwhile, the Haftar regime attempted to smooth over tensions caused by the general’s refusal to meet with the EU migration delegation, through a conciliatory visit by Al Sadiq Haftar to the president of the Greek Community of Benghazi.
Mitsotakis’ Announcements in Parliament – Measures to Be Voted Tomorrow
On Wednesday morning, 520 illegal migrants were rescued off the coast of Gavdos. Unlike previous cases, they were not disembarked in Crete, but were taken to Lavrio and then to the Malakasa migrant facility.
Suspension of Asylum Requests and Closed Facilities
The Prime Minister announced:
- A three-month suspension of asylum application processing for individuals arriving by sea from North Africa.
- The establishment of a permanent closed facility in Crete to detain all illegal entrants.
- Ongoing dialogue with both the eastern and western Libyan authorities.
- The Greek Armed Forces are prepared to assist in preventing departures from Libyan shores.
Mitsotakis stated:
“You know the numbers of illegal migrants arriving in Crete in recent weeks. This emergency demands extraordinary measures. We will notify the European Commission that tomorrow we will submit a provision to Parliament to:
- Suspend asylum examination for arrivals from North Africa for 3 months.
- Detain all migrants entering the country illegally.
- Create a closed structure in Crete (and possibly a second one).
- Cooperate with Libya’s recognized and unrecognized authorities to stop boats before they depart.
Let there be no doubt: The government is sending a message of determination. The route to Greece is closing. Smugglers and potential migrants should know: the money you pay may be completely wasted.”
Haftar’s Gesture: “Not Directed Against Greece”
A day after General Haftar refused to meet with the European migration delegation, labeling them personae non gratae, his son Al Sadiq Haftar made a surprise visit—with cameras present—to Kanakis Mandalios, head of the Greek community in Benghazi and father of Angela and Philippos, who died with three others in a Greek humanitarian mission accident in September 2023.
During the visit, Al Sadiq Haftar:
- Conveyed that the snub of the EU delegation was not aimed at Greece.
- Delivered a special declaration from General Haftar and a commemorative plaque in memory of the two young Greeks.
Al Sadiq Haftar is a political advisor to his father and had previously met with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis.
Plevris’ Message in English: “You Are Not Welcome in Greece”
Greek Minister for Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris issued a stern message in English directed at smugglers and potential migrants:
“Clear message: Stay where you are, you are not welcome.”
His post outlined immediate measures:
- Suspension of asylum processing
- Arrest and detention
- Creation of detention facility in Crete
- Closure of the migration route
“Tomorrow the legislative amendment will be submitted to Parliament.”
This reflects a decisive tightening of Greek migration policy, amid both diplomatic maneuvering with Libyan factions and pressure from increased illegal arrivals.
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