ATHENS, Greece (AP) – The latest developments as tens of thousands of people make their way to Europe and across the continent, seeking safety and a better life. All times local.
2:50 p.m.
Greece’s European affairs minister says his country has repeatedly asked for European Union help to deal with the massive influx of refugees this year, but the response so far has been far less than what was needed.
Minister Nikos Xydakis said Friday that Greece had been “persistently” asking for technical help and manpower since May to tackle the arrival of more than 700,000 people who have passed through the country since January. He said EU member states and the EU itself had been unable to adequately respond to Greece’s needs.
Greece is the main point of entry into the EU of people fleeing war and poverty, the vast majority of who reach Greek islands from the nearby Turkish coast. The Greek government’s response to the refugee crisis has come under criticism from some EU officials.
___
2:20 p.m.
Greece has appealed for the European Union to urgently send border guards to help control its maritime frontier with Turkey as well as tents, generators and first aid for arriving refugees.
More than 50,000 people have arrived in Greece seeking sanctuary or jobs in Europe in the last month, and EU partners are pressing Athens to control the influx. Should Athens fail to do enough, passport controls could be reintroduced for Greek citizens traveling in Europe.
Greece also wants the EU’s border agency Frontex to help register migrants at its land border with Macedonia.
EU Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said Friday “we hope to have concrete, tangible progress on the ground” in Greece before EU leaders meet on Dec. 17