The Greek PM also stated that developments are occurring at high speed while the EU is dealing with its own, existential problems, These must be dealt with through the principles of solidarity, cooperation, and responsibility sharing.
Tsipras pointed that Greece had, since last March, argued for the necessity of cooperation between the EU and Turkey in order to control the wave of refugees. As he said, the EU recognized the need to help the countries of first impact with materials and technology as well as funds in order to create welcome centres and begin the relocation process.
The EU must come to an understanding with Turkey so that the main burden of the refugee influx will not fall on the Greek islands but will remain on the Turkish coast where “hot spots” will be created in order to identify and help refugees relocate, said Mr.Tsipras.
“In this manner we will be able to lessen the huge cost in human lives of those who get into the traffickers boats and attempt to sail through the Aegean”. Tsipras added.
Moving on, the PM said that the European Partners discussed the huge financial cost which agglomerates for the care of the migrants. On that subject he pointed at the position of the President of the European council who has claimed that the countries who have to lift the burden of refugee welcome and care must be given financial help and fiscal aid.
Mr.Tsipras concluded that: “This is a position which will be discussed in the future, we have stood behind it since it will directly affect Greece's ability to fulfill its obligations as well as its humanitarian duty to host the refugees and withstand the enormous difficulties that this influx creates, (difficulties) which are beyond the country's capabilities”.