Turkey’s main opposition questions Davutoğlu on Greece’s border measures

ISTANBUL

Illegal immigrants from Pakistan make their way along the Egnatia Motorway heading south near Feres town, on Christmas day, after crossing the Turkish-Greek border in Evros river area, about 950 km (590 miles) northeast of Athens in this December 25, 2011 file photo. Greek government has installed a barbed wire fence security fence along the Greek-Turkish border in the region of Evros. REUTERS photo

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) submitted a parliamentary question Feb. 27 regarding border protection measures adopted by Greek security forces to prevent the continuous flow of illegal refugees across the Turkish-Greek border.

In the motion addressed to Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, the CHP emphasized that Greece reportedly installed thermal cameras in addition to a 4-meter-high barbed wire fence that was installed last year. The CHP requested the government attest the reality behind claims an intense flow of refugees across the border justifies these measures. 

“If there is [such a flow of refugees], why has the Peace and Development Party (AKP) government has not taken the necessary measures until today?” the motion, which was signed by CHP Vice Chairman in charge of Foreign Relations Osman Korutürk, read.

The CHP also asked if the measures undertaken by Greece are in compliance with the European Union and NATO rules as well as standard international practices between neighboring countries. Noting that Greece was a member of the Schengen, the CHP argued that these sorts of measures could mean pushing Turkey out of Europe’s borders. “Particularly in the present period during which the Turkish government has announced that new chapters will be open [in EU negotiations], does the silence of the Foreign Ministry on the deployment of a barbed-wire fence and thermal cameras to the Greek-Turkish period show a tacit agreement between both governments,” the CHP’s motion asked.