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Kremena Koutsoukou

The problem of illegal immigrants in Greece was again placed on the agenda. It was the main topic of the meeting between the Minister of Citizens Protection and 27 ambassadors from EU member states. 

"We have common goals, common aspirations and cooperation is necessary," said Minister Hrisohoidis. The minister and the diplomats discussed in detail the issues connected with illegal immigrants by emphasing on the protection of European and Greek borders. They also noted on the behavior of Turkey. Aims to strengthen the role of Frontex and the provision of more serious pressure on Turkey to comply with its promises to the Union (the suppression of illegal immigration networks and cooperation in protecting the borders). 

Hrisohoidis hopes of taking a common effort in combating illegal border crossing and the continuation of intergovernmental initiatives. Few days ago, on January 21 at an informal meeting of EU interior ministers in Toledo, the Greek Minister signed a common letter with the French Interior Minister Eric Besson on issues relating, in particular with illegal immigration. It was addressed to the Spanish EU presidency and calls for the creation of better cooperation between European countries. 

A month ago Hrisohoidis met with the Chairman of the Agency for EU border controls in Athens. Then the Greek Minister made a proposal for Frontex to open a branch in Greece. 

The ambassadors of the member states were introduced to the new policy of the government for combating organized crime and to the efforts being made to achieve safety in the country. "I believe these initiatives contribute to the mutual understanding, to establishing a safety system in the country and to retransmission of this image in Europe, of 500 million citizens, most of whom come here as tourists every year," added the Greek minister.