Vasilis Kikilias in Evros for… inspection

He's in the region from Friday, July 4th, and Saturday the 5th of the same month, accompanied by senior officers of the Hellenic Police. His first stop was the Department of Border Guarding of Ferres, where he met with the Governor and the officers of the Department and was informed of the work offered to tackle illegal immigration. The Minister during his exit said: "I pledge my full support to the project that helps Police and the wider community. Seven Border Guard Departments are located in Alexandroupoli and Orestiada with about 550 police officers on the front line dealing with problem of illegal immigration. I really feel the need to thank them all very much, because in difficult conditions they make a superhuman effort. It is really commendable. I want to form a comprehensive picture of the situation in the region. My goal is to create conditions to gradually achieve all the necessary steps to upgrade the working conditions of these services. Everyone is important and I commend them again for the work they provide".

Second stop is the Operational Center of the Police Department Orestiada

Kikilias then inspected the Regional Operational Centre of the Police Division Orestiada, New Himonio, from where he saw up close the work done by police forces at land borders of our country. Upon leaving, he mentioned: "This modern centre belongs to the newly created Directorate Border Protection Sector Aliens and Border Protection of the Greek Police Headquarters and holds a key role in monitoring and analyzing illegal migration flows and operational cooperation of authorities involved in fighting illegal immigration. It's important that today the region of Evros, which in previous years was the main entrance area of illegal immigrants in Greece, and by extension in the rest of Europe, is very much improved. Applying the "ASPIDA" we achieved very significant results. But we cannot rest. The data show that illegal immigration through our land borders is more attractive in relation to maritime boundaries. A continuation of our efforts and constant vigilance is required. The figures for June show that the number of illegal immigrants that we managed to prevent their entry into Greece, increased compared to June 2013. In June 2013 we had arrested 995 irregular migrants and in June 2014 this number has almost doubled".

The Minister also thanked the officers for the excellent work they've done all this time and said: "I'm very happy because today the Greek Police, using the data of the digital age, has managed to have full information and insight into what's happening in real time. This gives us the ability to have quick reflexes and the response of the State with the means available to be immediate and effective". His program also had a tour by boat to the guarding lodge of Evros, where the Minister was able to see the way police forces operate in the river Evros. Before leaving the hunting lodge he commented on the work and mission of the police: "What's certain is that they are asked to carry out a difficult mission under adverse conditions and instruments need further upgrading and improvements. The tour by boat guarding the hunting lodge was indeed an experience. I would like at this point to thank the Armed Forces who are really on our side helping the work of Greek Police. It's important that today the region of Evros, which in previous years was the main entrance area of illegal immigrants in Greece, and by extension the rest of Europe, has very much improved. Of course there are many that must be done. We aren't complacent. Our immediate priority with my returning to Athens is to seek appropriate labor solutions that will contribute to the upgrading of their work".

Operational center - an artificial barrier (fence) in Evros

Next stop of the visit the Minister was the control center and the artificial barrier (fence) in Evros, where he saw the borderline between Greece and Turkey and said: "The strong police presence located in Evros, in conjunction with the intensification of controls at points of entry, the technical border surveillance systems, and upgrading to electronic level and vessels have been helping to be very important steps. Yet we can't stop. Continuation of our efforts and constant vigilance are required. There is still much to be done. Together, we are allies in a great effort is currently done by the forces of Greek Police". Finally, he went to the Outpost Orestiada where he visited the reception centers and had the opportunity to chat with the staff and said: "I want you to know that we attach great importance to the reception and to ensuring the necessary rules of safe accommodation of all prisoners and guests, both in centers and throughout other host places. Our country is struggling to have the most modern control system migration in Europe, which will safeguard the rights of immigrants with full respect for human rights and with full respect for human dignity".