Kotzias says Greeks have been supportive of refugees

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Greek society has been supportive towards refugees despite the hardships they face but the country cannot pay the price of other people’s choices in the region, Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias said during a speech at the 12th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Luxembourg on Friday.

“Despite continuous economic and social pressures faced by Greece, public opinion has been supportive and positive towards refugees in a manner consistent with our culture and values. Our officers, often under pressure, showed humanity and always respected international law and fundamental European values,” the minister said.

“The closure of borders is not the solution to the refugee crisis,” he added, noting that Greece cannot pay the cost of other people’s choices in the region.

Kotzias reiterated the government’s position that refugee flows must be handled in the country of first reception, like Lebanon and Jordan, but also to ensure the stability of Egypt. “However, the crisis will not be resolved until a political solution is found in the Syrian crisis and if the war doesn’t end.”

ANA-MPE