The Alternate Foreign Minister for European Affairs, Nikos Xydakis, had successive meetings today with the Minister of the Interior of Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, and the Secretary General of the Austrian Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Michael Linhart, in Vienna, his first stop on a tour of central European countries.
Mr. Xydakis’ meeting with Ms. Mikl-Leitner took place in a constructive atmosphere. The two ministers focused on the refugee crisis, of historic dimensions, that Europe is facing, as well as on the need for the countries of Europe to work together in facing the crisis.
Ms. Leitner referred to the shared historical course of the two countries, while Mr. Xydakis stressed that the two partner countries are essentially “in the same boat.” Ms. Leitner referred to the problem posed for Austria by the increased number of refugees it is being called upon to accommodate. Moreover, she requested a detailed briefing on a number of issues that concern the management of refugee flows.
Mr. Xydakis highlighted that Greece, based on international law, must rescue these people, and that that is what it is doing. At the same time, he explained that the Greek Coastguard is operating beyond its capabilities and needs material and personnel support.
Mr. Xydakis noted that the European Union must collaborate to support Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan – where Syrian refugees are being hosted – to improve refugees’ living conditions and cut off the refugee flows. He highlighted the need to strengthen the UN World Food Programme, which in 2015, due to lack of funding, dramatically reduced refugees’ daily nutrition rations, which in large part caused refugees to seek alternative refuge.
He also informed the Austrian Minister of the Interior of the fact that Greece is adequately guarding its maritime borders – in ongoing cooperation with Frontex, a European organization – as well as its land borders. “You can’t stop refugees with fences at sea. Desperate people will seek another route,” Mr. Xydakis noted, stressing that throughout the previous time Greece has been requesting assistance that it has not received at the rate it should. “Naturally, we are seeing weaknesses, but, due to the unprecedented size of the refugee flows, these were to be expected. We believe, however, that these issues can be dealt with through the revitalization of European solidarity, and not by falling into the trap of a blame game,” Mr. Xydakis highlighted, referring to the debate that has opened up in the EE with regard to the Schengen treaty.
In response to a question from Ms. Leitner regarding the Greek-Turkish readmission protocol, Mr. Xydakis noted the delays that have been seen on the part of Turkey and the efforts that have been made recently to improve cooperation between the two countries. Ms. Leitner assured Mr. Xydakis that Austria will support Greece with human resources and equipment, and the two ministers agreed on the need for sincere relations of cooperation between the two countries.
Mr. Xydakis met subsequently with the Secretary General of the Austrian Foreign Ministry, Dr. Michael Linhart. The two collocutors focused on the refugee issue.
Mr. Linhart acknowledged that Greece is facing a demanding situation – just as difficult as that of Austria – and noted that the two countries must work together with the aim of finding European solutions. He referred in particular to the completion of the hotspots and the functioning of the relocation mechanism, stressing that every positive step that is taken restores European cooperation.
Mr. Xydakis thanked Austria, stressing that the two countries share a common burden. He explained the technical issues Greece is facing with regard to guarding its maritime borders; issues that it is coping with while at the same time rescuing thousands of people. He noted the delay in European assistance and requested Austria’s political and substantial support: “The European Union is coming up against the lack of trust between its members, and diplomacy must play a positive role,” Mr. Xydakis stressed.
Mr. Xydakis also referred to the issue of the support of FYROM by the member states of the EU – an issue that has arisen in recent days – and stressed that the member states must safeguard the Union, strengthening the trust and cooperation amongst them. Finally, he noted that Greece has redoubled its efforts but sees as necessary a European solution, the implementation of the relocation plan, as well as the implementation of the Joint Action Plan with Turkey.
On Tuesday, Mr. Xydakis will travel on to Bratislava, where he will meet with the Foreign Minister of Slovakia, Miroslav Lajčák, and the Deputy Foreign Minister for European Affairs, Ivan Korčok.
Mr. Xydakis will complete his tour on Wednesday, in Budapest, where he will meet with Hungary’s Interior Minister, Sándor Pintér, Deputy Minister of State for European Affairs, Takács Szabolcs Ferenc, and Economic Diplomacy Minister, Levente Magyar.
February 8, 2016