“The voice, authority and experience of the UNHCR is necessary for the promotion and support of democratic and practical solutions within the framework of the European Union and worldwide,” Alternate Foreign Minister Nikos Xydakis stressed to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, PhilippoGrandi, during their one-on-one meeting this afternoon.
Their meeting was preceded by Mr. Grandi’s joint meeting with the Alternate Ministers of Defence, D. Vitsas, Citizen Protection, N. Toskas, Migration Policy, G. Mouzalas, Labor, F. Fotiou, and Foreign Affairs, N. Xydakis. Also participating in the meeting were the Secretary General of the Education Ministry, G. Pantis, the head of the European Office of the UNHCR, Vincent Cochetel, and the UNHCR representative in Greece, Philip Leclerc.
The purpose of the meeting was the deepening of cooperation betweenthe Greek State and the UNHCR on management of the refugee problem. The Greek side presented new data, analyzed needs, and explained areas where the UNHCR could help. There was a discussion of the prospects for more effective cooperation on all levels. Mr. Grandi was very supportive on issues of content and procedures, as well as on funding issues. He showed particular sensitivity to the urgings for immediate assistance in accommodating unaccompanied minors.
Mr. Xydakis raised issues of mutual support and cooperation. Emphasis was put on the Greek presence at the upcoming UN Meeting scheduled for 19 September, in New York. Also discussed was the need to support the new European Asylum System in a democratic and functional direction. “Weneedfresh, newideasthatbringpracticalresults. Housing, education, employment are the triptych on which the UNHCR can help with its experience,” Mr. Xydakis concluded.
August 24, 2016