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GreekReporter.comGreeceGreek PM Tsipras and EU Parliament Chief Schulz Visit Lesvos Amid Protests

Greek PM Tsipras and EU Parliament Chief Schulz Visit Lesvos Amid Protests

tsipras2Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras gave European Parliament President Martin Schulz a tour to Lesvos to inspect the refugee situation amid protests by locals and activists.
The two officials visited the identification processing centers and refugee camps. They witnessed the thousands of people who camp out on the streets, squares, parks and the island’s main port. They also witnessed a makeshift rubber boat crammed with refugees landing on the island.
The situation on Lesvos is volatile as about 15,000 documented and processed refugees are stuck on the island on account of the ongoing seamen’s strike that started on Monday. At the same time, there is a number of dead bodies of refugees that cannot be buried. There was a three-day mourning on the island for the refugees who left the Turkish shores and lost their lives in the waters off the island.
A large number of protestors gathered on Tuesday morning outside the Mytilene Municipality Hall and hang banners on the building. They protested the European Union policy on refugees and the negligence that has cost hundreds of lives so far. The protestors also handed out flyers accusing Tsipras and Europe for being partly responsible for the lives lost. When the two officials appeared, they shouted slogans against them.
“What is happening at the Aegean is a crime that must stop,” Tsipras announced to reporters. “There should be an agreement with Turkey to stem the inflow by hitting the smugglers, who are committing a crime for profit.”
“We must prepare and build the infrastructure to accommodate refugees, but the problem will be solved after we agree with Turkey that the relocation should be starting from there, so that people do not risk their lives crossing the sea,” Tsipras added.
On his part, Schulz said: “People here face dramatic conditions. We saw people jump into the sea and swim to the shore. Locals treat refugees in a kind and discreet manner. Organizing the hot spots is meaningful only if we create more solidarity.”
Greece hopes that the visit by the European official will help activate forces at a European level to support Greece’s efforts in dealing with the refugees and back a more humanitarian refugee policy.
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