At least 16 migrants have died in an accident in Greece after their boat got overturned near the&nbsp;island of Paros in the central Aegean Sea.

According to the country's coastguard, this is the third maritime disaster involving migrants this week.

It has deployed air and sea assets to the area while authorities are scrambling for a search and rescue operation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-accuses-turkey-of-provocations-in-the-aegean-374988">Also read |&nbsp;Greece accuses Turkey of 'provocations' in the Aegean</a>

Pinning the accidents on trafficking gangs, Giannis Plakiotakis, Greece's shipping minister, said "The gangs are indifferent to human life, stacking dozens of people, without lifejackets, in vessels which do not conform to the most basic of safety standards."&nbsp;

He also attacked Turkey, saying Ankara "lets smugglers act unchecked."&nbsp;

Smugglers operating from Cesme and Bodrum on the Turkish coast are packing migrants in yachts to send them to Italy using new, more dangerous routes.

Rivals Greece and Turkey regularly spar over the issue of migrants, with Athens accusing Ankara of turning a blind eye to people attempting to cross into EU member Greece and Turkey denying the charges.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-versus-greece-a-long-history-of-disputes-323392">Also see |&nbsp;Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes</a>

"This shipwreck is a painful reminder that people continue to embark on perilous voyages in search of safety," said Adriano Silvestri, the UNHCR's assistant representative in Greece.&nbsp;

The UNHCR estimates that more than 2,500 people have died or gone missing at sea as they tried to reach &nbsp;Europe from January through November this year. &nbsp;

Greece is one of the main routes into the European Union for migrants and refugees from Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.

However, the flow has tapered off since 2015-2016, when more than a million people traversed the country to other EU states.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 16 migrants have died in an accident in Greece after their boat got overturned near the island of Paros in the central Aegean Sea. According to the country's coastguard, this is the third maritime disaster involving migrants this week.

At least 16 migrants have died in an accident in Greece after their boat got overturned near the island of Paros in the central Aegean Sea. According to the country's coastguard, this is the third maritime disaster involving migrants this week. It has deployed air and sea assets to the area while authorities are scrambling for a search and rescue operation. Also read | Greece accuses Turkey of 'provocations' in the Aegean Pinning the accidents on trafficking gangs, Giannis Plakiotakis, Greece's shipping minister, said "The gangs are indifferent to human life, stacking dozens of people, without lifejackets, in vessels which do not conform to the most basic of safety standards." He also attacked Turkey, saying Ankara "lets smugglers act unchecked." Smugglers operating from Cesme and Bodrum on the Turkish coast are packing migrants in yachts to send them to Italy using new, more dangerous routes. Rivals Greece and Turkey regularly spar over the issue of migrants, with Athens accusing Ankara of turning a blind eye to people attempting to cross into EU member Greece and Turkey denying the charges. Also see | Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes "This shipwreck is a painful reminder that people continue to embark on perilous voyages in search of safety," said Adriano Silvestri, the UNHCR's assistant representative in Greece. The UNHCR estimates that more than 2,500 people have died or gone missing at sea as they tried to reach Europe from January through November this year. Greece is one of the main routes into the European Union for migrants and refugees from Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. However, the flow has tapered off since 2015-2016, when more than a million people traversed the country to other EU states. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 16 migrants dead in Greece after their boat capsizes

As he toured the country's newest island migrant camp on Friday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that his country's tougher maritime and land border patrols had essentially crushed illegal migrant networks.

Despite charges from activists that the Greek coastguard is forcing migrants' boats illegally back to Turkey, Mitsotakis said his government was guarding its borders "safely and justly."&nbsp;

"Migration flows are down 90 percent compared to 2019. I repeat, 90 percent," Mitsotakis said during a visit to a new EU-funded migrant camp on the island of Samos.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-says-cannot-become-gateway-to-european-union-for-fleeing-afghans-408759">Greece says cannot become gateway to European Union for fleeing Afghans</a>

"We have essentially crushed smuggling networks that take advantage of human pain...promising persecuted people easy entry into our homeland," Mitsotakis said.

"This government has carried out its pledge to guard our homeland's borders safely and justly," he said.

Border patrols have risen since Mitsotakis became premier in 2019, and asylum processes have been sped up. Critics say this puts asylum seekers at a disadvantage, and general benefits for refugees, even those who have been granted asylum, have been slashed.

Among the many criticisms of Greece's harsher border controls have been allegations that its coastguard is illegally forcing migrants to return to Turkey,&nbsp;the main departure point,&nbsp;on rickety ships.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-extends-border-wall-to-shut-doors-to-afghan-refugees-407454">Greece extends border wall to shut doors to Afghan refugees</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

Athens has consistently denied the charges, stating that saving the lives of seafarers is the coastguard's top priority.

"No one has drowned in the Aegean this year, and I’m particularly proud of the work that my coastguard is doing in saving people at risk," Mitsotakis said this week.

In July, the Greek migration ministry said at least seven people had drowned near Kasos island, south of the Aegean Sea.

"This needless tragedy is what happens when Turkey fails to act against the criminal gangs and prevent these perilous crossings," the Greek ministry said at the time.

The Samos camp, designed to house 3,000 people, is part of several high-tech facilities funded by the European Union on Greek islands that saw the biggest arrivals from neighbouring Turkey during the migration crisis of 2015.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-cannot-take-new-refugee-burden-foreign-minister-says-409265">Turkey cannot take new refugee burden, foreign minister says</a>

International Organization for Migration reports that about 800,000 people migrated through Greece in that period.

EU has committed 276 million euros ($323 million) to build new camps with stricter access measures on Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Leros, and Kos in the Aegean Sea.

As he toured the country's newest island migrant camp on Friday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that his country's tougher maritime and land border patrols had essentially crushed illegal migrant networks.

As he toured the country's newest island migrant camp on Friday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that his country's tougher maritime and land border patrols had essentially crushed illegal migrant networks. Despite charges from activists that the Greek coastguard is forcing migrants' boats illegally back to Turkey, Mitsotakis said his government was guarding its borders "safely and justly." "Migration flows are down 90 percent compared to 2019. I repeat, 90 percent," Mitsotakis said during a visit to a new EU-funded migrant camp on the island of Samos. Also read | Greece says cannot become gateway to European Union for fleeing Afghans "We have essentially crushed smuggling networks that take advantage of human pain...promising persecuted people easy entry into our homeland," Mitsotakis said. "This government has carried out its pledge to guard our homeland's borders safely and justly," he said. Border patrols have risen since Mitsotakis became premier in 2019, and asylum processes have been sped up. Critics say this puts asylum seekers at a disadvantage, and general benefits for refugees, even those who have been granted asylum, have been slashed. Among the many criticisms of Greece's harsher border controls have been allegations that its coastguard is illegally forcing migrants to return to Turkey, the main departure point, on rickety ships. Also read | Greece extends border wall to shut doors to Afghan refugees Athens has consistently denied the charges, stating that saving the lives of seafarers is the coastguard's top priority. "No one has drowned in the Aegean this year, and I’m particularly proud of the work that my coastguard is doing in saving people at risk," Mitsotakis said this week. In July, the Greek migration ministry said at least seven people had drowned near Kasos island, south of the Aegean Sea. "This needless tragedy is what happens when Turkey fails to act against the criminal gangs and prevent these perilous crossings," the Greek ministry said at the time. The Samos camp, designed to house 3,000 people, is part of several high-tech facilities funded by the European Union on Greek islands that saw the biggest arrivals from neighbouring Turkey during the migration crisis of 2015. Also read | Turkey cannot take new refugee burden, foreign minister says International Organization for Migration reports that about 800,000 people migrated through Greece in that period. EU has committed 276 million euros ($323 million) to build new camps with stricter access measures on Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Leros, and Kos in the Aegean Sea.

Even as activists accuse country of illegal deportation, Greek PM says 'essentially crushed' migrant smugglers

An Afghan woman is facing arson charges after trying to burn herself to death at a migrants camp on the Greek island of Lesbos this week, officials said Thursday.

The charges are the latest in a series of punishments directed at refugees and asylum-seekers on the island, rights groups say, and reflect the Greek government’s hard line on migrants. The episode is also a stark example of the effect that the dire conditions at Greek reception centers have on refugees’ mental health.

The woman, a 27-year-old who is eight months pregnant, lives at a temporary camp with her husband and three children. She set her tent alight Sunday after being told that her family’s planned relocation to Germany was being postponed, a Greek migration ministry official said, noting that her journey had been delayed because of the advanced state of her pregnancy.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/qatar-inhumane-conditions-of-migrant-workers-6500-migrant-workers-have-died-365912/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“She tried to commit suicide by setting fire to her tent and sitting inside it,” a Lesbos fire service official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

The woman was hospitalized with non-life-threatening burns after neighbors dragged her from the burning tent, the officer said, adding that no one else was injured.

Thousands of people are living in desperate conditions at Greece’s camps for refugees and migrants dotted along its islands, a situation that human rights groups consistently denounce as inhumane. Groups have long warned of a growing mental health crisis there as the thousands who fled war and economic hardship remain in limbo.

Although the number of migrants crossing the Aegean by boat from Turkey to the Greek islands has dropped sharply this year — by more than 90% in January, according to authorities — the camps remain crowded. Dozens of facilities on the mainland have been closed as part of a government policy to discourage further arrivals.

And although the processing of asylum claims has been accelerated since last year, a significant backlog remains.

In the case of the woman on Lesbos, her asylum application had been approved and refugee status granted, and her desperate act appeared to have been prompted by the delay in her relocation to Germany. The makeshift camp, like other facilities nationwide, remains locked down because of the pandemic.

The woman, whose name was not released by authorities, arrived in Greece in 2019 and had been living in a camp on the island for more than a year, according to the migration ministry. She was due to give a statement to a court official and the prosecutor from her hospital bed Thursday, officials said.

A spokesman for Greek police said that although her treatment may appear harsh, her actions could not go unpunished, because instances of arson are frequent and put other camp residents at risk.

“The law has to be enforced. A message has to be sent,” said the spokesman, Theodoros Chronopoulos. “This could have created a larger fire.”

The incident occurred inside a temporary camp that was set up after a series of fires destroyed the sprawling Moria camp in September. Six Afghan migrants were charged with arson in connection with that fire and are awaiting trial.

Eva Cossé, a Western Europe researcher for Human Rights Watch, said it was hard to overstate the toll that such conditions take on people in the camps.

“The psychological impact of years of conflict, exacerbated by harsh conditions on the Greek islands and the uncertainty of inhumane policies, may not be as visible as physical wounds,” she said. “But as this case shows, it is no less life-threatening.

“The impulse to prosecute her rather than help her,” Cossé added, “is not only emblematic of what is wrong with Europe’s approach to migration, but it also shows Greece’s lack of compassion and humanity.”

In recent months, rights groups have denounced Greek authorities’ increasingly tough actions regarding migrants. In November, an Afghan man was charged with endangering the life of his son after the 6-year-old drowned off the coast of another Aegean island when their boat traveling from Turkey capsized. The man has since been granted asylum but is still awaiting trial, according to his lawyer.

Last week, Notis Mitarachi, Greece’s migration minister, said authorities were pressing forward with efforts to accelerate asylum applications and the return of migrants to Turkey in a bid to ease overcrowding in camps and discourage further arrivals.

He noted that the number of asylum-seekers at facilities nationwide had dropped to just over 60,000 from nearly 100,000 early last year, while 57 facilities on the mainland have been closed entirely.

“We are continuing with the implementation of a tough but fair migration policy so that our country is no longer a gateway to Europe for illegal smuggling rackets,” he said.

 
&nbsp;

An Afghan woman is facing arson charges after trying to burn herself to death at a migrants camp on the Greek island of Lesbos this week, officials said Thursday.

An Afghan woman is facing arson charges after trying to burn herself to death at a migrants camp on the Greek island of Lesbos this week, officials said Thursday. The charges are the latest in a series of punishments directed at refugees and asylum-seekers on the island, rights groups say, and reflect the Greek government’s hard line on migrants. The episode is also a stark example of the effect that the dire conditions at Greek reception centers have on refugees’ mental health. The woman, a 27-year-old who is eight months pregnant, lives at a temporary camp with her husband and three children. She set her tent alight Sunday after being told that her family’s planned relocation to Germany was being postponed, a Greek migration ministry official said, noting that her journey had been delayed because of the advanced state of her pregnancy. Watch | “She tried to commit suicide by setting fire to her tent and sitting inside it,” a Lesbos fire service official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The woman was hospitalized with non-life-threatening burns after neighbors dragged her from the burning tent, the officer said, adding that no one else was injured. Thousands of people are living in desperate conditions at Greece’s camps for refugees and migrants dotted along its islands, a situation that human rights groups consistently denounce as inhumane. Groups have long warned of a growing mental health crisis there as the thousands who fled war and economic hardship remain in limbo. Although the number of migrants crossing the Aegean by boat from Turkey to the Greek islands has dropped sharply this year — by more than 90% in January, according to authorities — the camps remain crowded. Dozens of facilities on the mainland have been closed as part of a government policy to discourage further arrivals. And although the processing of asylum claims has been accelerated since last year, a significant backlog remains. In the case of the woman on Lesbos, her asylum application had been approved and refugee status granted, and her desperate act appeared to have been prompted by the delay in her relocation to Germany. The makeshift camp, like other facilities nationwide, remains locked down because of the pandemic. The woman, whose name was not released by authorities, arrived in Greece in 2019 and had been living in a camp on the island for more than a year, according to the migration ministry. She was due to give a statement to a court official and the prosecutor from her hospital bed Thursday, officials said. A spokesman for Greek police said that although her treatment may appear harsh, her actions could not go unpunished, because instances of arson are frequent and put other camp residents at risk. “The law has to be enforced. A message has to be sent,” said the spokesman, Theodoros Chronopoulos. “This could have created a larger fire.” The incident occurred inside a temporary camp that was set up after a series of fires destroyed the sprawling Moria camp in September. Six Afghan migrants were charged with arson in connection with that fire and are awaiting trial. Eva Cossé, a Western Europe researcher for Human Rights Watch, said it was hard to overstate the toll that such conditions take on people in the camps. “The psychological impact of years of conflict, exacerbated by harsh conditions on the Greek islands and the uncertainty of inhumane policies, may not be as visible as physical wounds,” she said. “But as this case shows, it is no less life-threatening. “The impulse to prosecute her rather than help her,” Cossé added, “is not only emblematic of what is wrong with Europe’s approach to migration, but it also shows Greece’s lack of compassion and humanity.” In recent months, rights groups have denounced Greek authorities’ increasingly tough actions regarding migrants. In November, an Afghan man was charged with endangering the life of his son after the 6-year-old drowned off the coast of another Aegean island when their boat traveling from Turkey capsized. The man has since been granted asylum but is still awaiting trial, according to his lawyer. Last week, Notis Mitarachi, Greece’s migration minister, said authorities were pressing forward with efforts to accelerate asylum applications and the return of migrants to Turkey in a bid to ease overcrowding in camps and discourage further arrivals. He noted that the number of asylum-seekers at facilities nationwide had dropped to just over 60,000 from nearly 100,000 early last year, while 57 facilities on the mainland have been closed entirely. “We are continuing with the implementation of a tough but fair migration policy so that our country is no longer a gateway to Europe for illegal smuggling rackets,” he said.

Refugee who set herself on fire in Greece is charged with arson

Greece: Thousands of migrants become homeless after fire destroys Europe's largest camp

Fire 'destroys' Europe's largest migrant camp on Lesbos

Greece fears a fresh standoff on its border with&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;after the Turkish foreign minister suggested migrants and refugees would shortly return to the frontier as the two countries emerge from coronavirus lockdowns.

Mevlut Cavusoglu, foreign affairs minister of Turkey, ''due to the pandemic, the movement of migrants has slowed down. But they will definitely want to leave after the outbreak is over.''

The statement set off alarm bells in Athens, where analysts are increasingly voicing fears of an iteration of&nbsp;the crisis that erupted earlier this year&nbsp;when the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, declared the doors to Europe were open and migrants free to cross into Greece.

After a hiatus of almost three months, Greek authorities reported several boats of men, women and children landing on the shores of Lesbos last week.

However,&nbsp;Cavusoglu denied&nbsp;said allegations&nbsp;were "utterly false".

Some 37,000 asylum seekers remain on the outposts in vastly overcrowded conditions that have been deplored by human rights groups.

As a precautionary measure against coronavirus, Turkey sealed its north-western land frontier, demarcated by the Evros River in mid-March, but only after&nbsp;weeks of chaos and high drama&nbsp;in which thousands attempted to cross the border amid a hail of rubber bullets and teargas fired by elite forces on either side.

Previously,&nbsp;Greece&nbsp;on Sunday dismissed reports that Turkish soldiers had occupied a strip of Greek territory in the Evros border region, where Athens is expanding a fence to keep migrants out.

Greece fears a fresh standoff on its border with Turkey after the Turkish foreign minister suggested migrants and refugees would shortly return to the frontier as the two countries emerge from coronavirus lockdowns.

Greece fears a fresh standoff on its border with Turkey after the Turkish foreign minister suggested migrants and refugees would shortly return to the frontier as the two countries emerge from coronavirus lockdowns. Mevlut Cavusoglu, foreign affairs minister of Turkey, ''due to the pandemic, the movement of migrants has slowed down. But they will definitely want to leave after the outbreak is over.'' The statement set off alarm bells in Athens, where analysts are increasingly voicing fears of an iteration of the crisis that erupted earlier this year when the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, declared the doors to Europe were open and migrants free to cross into Greece. After a hiatus of almost three months, Greek authorities reported several boats of men, women and children landing on the shores of Lesbos last week. However, Cavusoglu denied said allegations were "utterly false". Some 37,000 asylum seekers remain on the outposts in vastly overcrowded conditions that have been deplored by human rights groups. As a precautionary measure against coronavirus, Turkey sealed its north-western land frontier, demarcated by the Evros River in mid-March, but only after weeks of chaos and high drama in which thousands attempted to cross the border amid a hail of rubber bullets and teargas fired by elite forces on either side. Previously, Greece on Sunday dismissed reports that Turkish soldiers had occupied a strip of Greek territory in the Evros border region, where Athens is expanding a fence to keep migrants out.

Greece fears border standoff with Turkey over migrants' return

The European Union has said that it will pay €2000 as an aid to every migrant lodging in overcrowded camps in Greece to ensure that they go back home.

The scheme was announced by EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson in Athens on Thursday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-migrant-crisis-tense-situation-on-the-greek-turkish-border-285032">Greece migrant crisis: Tense situation on the Greek-Turkish border</a>

It is a temporary scheme which is open for one month and it is valid only for migrants who arrived prior January 1.

However, 5,000 migrants will be eligible for ''voluntary return''.

Hundreds of migrants and refugees have reached Greek islands near Turkey by boat this month, &nbsp;this has increased the pressure on struggling reception centres.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-head-to-greece-as-turkey-opens-floodgates-283547">Migrants head to Greece as Turkey opens floodgates</a>

The camps on those islands already have nearly 42,000 asylum seekers, though they were designed for about 6,000.

According to Stephan Oberreit, head of an aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres in Greece, "men, women and children are living in horrific conditions in these overcrowded centres, in constant fear and with very basic access to services like toilets, showers, electricity".

However, it is not clear how many would qualify for refugee status.

Many of the migrants are Syrians fleeing the civil war, but there are also Afghans, Pakistanis and West Africans.&nbsp;

European Union officials on had promised more cash for Greece during a visit to its border with Turkey which tens of thousands of migrants and refugees were trying breach.

The European Union has said that it will pay €2000 as an aid to every migrant lodging in overcrowded camps in Greece to ensure that they go back home. The scheme was announced by EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson in Athens on Thursday.

The European Union has said that it will pay €2000 as an aid to every migrant lodging in overcrowded camps in Greece to ensure that they go back home. The scheme was announced by EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson in Athens on Thursday. Also read: Greece migrant crisis: Tense situation on the Greek-Turkish border It is a temporary scheme which is open for one month and it is valid only for migrants who arrived prior January 1. However, 5,000 migrants will be eligible for ''voluntary return''. Hundreds of migrants and refugees have reached Greek islands near Turkey by boat this month, this has increased the pressure on struggling reception centres. Also read: Migrants head to Greece as Turkey opens floodgates The camps on those islands already have nearly 42,000 asylum seekers, though they were designed for about 6,000. According to Stephan Oberreit, head of an aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres in Greece, "men, women and children are living in horrific conditions in these overcrowded centres, in constant fear and with very basic access to services like toilets, showers, electricity". However, it is not clear how many would qualify for refugee status. Many of the migrants are Syrians fleeing the civil war, but there are also Afghans, Pakistanis and West Africans. European Union officials on had promised more cash for Greece during a visit to its border with Turkey which tens of thousands of migrants and refugees were trying breach.

European Union announces €2000 as aid to migrants in Greece to return home

As Greece faced fresh violence on its borders on Saturday, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-blocks-35000-migrants-plans-to-deport-arrivals-after-march-1-284533">Turkish </a>coastguard to prevent migrants crossing the Aegean sea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-police-clash-at-turkey-greece-border-despite-erdogan-putin-ceasefire-deal-284780">Also Read:&nbsp;Migrants, police clash at Turkey-Greece border despite Erdogan-Putin ceasefire deal</a>

"On the orders of the president... permission will not be given for migrants to cross the Aegean sea because it is dangerous," Turkey's coastguard said, adding," The approach of not intervening against migrants wishing to leave Turkey remains in practice but this (new) approach covers sea crossings because of the dangers."

Watch Video:

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Clashes between Greek police and migrants continued on Saturday. Greek police once again resorted to tear gas to push back the migrants as PM Mitsotakis accused Turkey of "assisting" the migrants gathered at the border.

"EU countries, including Greece, must abide by their international responsibilities and accept the applications of refugees," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.

"Accusing a country that hosts the most number of refugees in the best possible way of using migration for political aims is another indication of the two-faced approach we have been subjected to for years. With this statement, the EU is itself using this issue as a political tool," it added.

Meanwhile, Turkey's coastguard rescued around 120 migrants at sea even as Erdogan discussed the crisis with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

As Greece faced fresh violence on its borders on Saturday, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered the Turkish coastguard to prevent migrants crossing the Aegean sea.

As Greece faced fresh violence on its borders on Saturday, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered the Turkish coastguard to prevent migrants crossing the Aegean sea. Also Read: Migrants, police clash at Turkey-Greece border despite Erdogan-Putin ceasefire deal "On the orders of the president... permission will not be given for migrants to cross the Aegean sea because it is dangerous," Turkey's coastguard said, adding," The approach of not intervening against migrants wishing to leave Turkey remains in practice but this (new) approach covers sea crossings because of the dangers." Watch Video: Clashes between Greek police and migrants continued on Saturday. Greek police once again resorted to tear gas to push back the migrants as PM Mitsotakis accused Turkey of "assisting" the migrants gathered at the border. "EU countries, including Greece, must abide by their international responsibilities and accept the applications of refugees," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement. "Accusing a country that hosts the most number of refugees in the best possible way of using migration for political aims is another indication of the two-faced approach we have been subjected to for years. With this statement, the EU is itself using this issue as a political tool," it added. Meanwhile, Turkey's coastguard rescued around 120 migrants at sea even as Erdogan discussed the crisis with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Stop migrants crossing in Aegean Sea: Erdogan to Turkey coastguard

The European Union pledged financial assistance to Greece after migrants swept into the country from Turkey.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-blocks-nearly-10000-migrants-at-turkey-border-283562">Also Read:&nbsp;Greece blocks nearly 10,000 migrants at Turkey border</a>

"The situation at our border is not only an issue for Greece to manage, it is the responsibility of Europe as a whole," Ursula von der Leyen, EU's executive Commission head said.

"We will hold the line and our unity will prevail," she announced alongside&nbsp;Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the chiefs of the European Council and European Parliament.

Ursula von der Leyen said EU would provide $777 million to help manage the migrant crisis to the Greek government.

Additionally, the EU executive commission head said Frontex the border agency would provide further 100 guards including helicopters and vehicles.

"Our first priority is making sure that order is maintained at the Greek external border, which is also the European border," von der Leyen added.

Greece has suspended asylum procedures in a bid to prevent people from entering its territory, a move criticised by UN refugee agency (UNHCR).

According to the Greek government, nearly 24,203 people were stopped from crossing the border from Turkey between Saturday and Monday night.

Security forces used tear gas to prevent migrants from crossing into Greece as tensions raged on the border.

"The EU has an opportunity to show it has learned from the errors of the recent past by putting in place humane and efficient measures at the border that respect the right to seek asylum and people's dignity," EU director at Human Rights Watch, Lotte Leicht, said.

The European Union pledged financial assistance to Greece after migrants swept into the country from Turkey. Also Read: Greece blocks nearly 10,000 migrants at Turkey border "The situation at our border is not only an issue for Greece to manage, it is the responsibility of Europe as a whole," Ursula von der Leyen, EU's executive Commission head said.

The European Union pledged financial assistance to Greece after migrants swept into the country from Turkey. Also Read: Greece blocks nearly 10,000 migrants at Turkey border "The situation at our border is not only an issue for Greece to manage, it is the responsibility of Europe as a whole," Ursula von der Leyen, EU's executive Commission head said. "We will hold the line and our unity will prevail," she announced alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the chiefs of the European Council and European Parliament. Ursula von der Leyen said EU would provide $777 million to help manage the migrant crisis to the Greek government. Additionally, the EU executive commission head said Frontex the border agency would provide further 100 guards including helicopters and vehicles. "Our first priority is making sure that order is maintained at the Greek external border, which is also the European border," von der Leyen added. Greece has suspended asylum procedures in a bid to prevent people from entering its territory, a move criticised by UN refugee agency (UNHCR). According to the Greek government, nearly 24,203 people were stopped from crossing the border from Turkey between Saturday and Monday night. Security forces used tear gas to prevent migrants from crossing into Greece as tensions raged on the border. "The EU has an opportunity to show it has learned from the errors of the recent past by putting in place humane and efficient measures at the border that respect the right to seek asylum and people's dignity," EU director at Human Rights Watch, Lotte Leicht, said.

Situation on Greek border is Europe's responsibility: Ursula von der Leyen

Italian authorities on Monday seized the charity <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-to-increase-border-patrols-and-deportations-to-curb-migrant-influx-246948">rescue vessel Eleonore</a> with around 100 migrants aboard, who are to disembark after the ship entered Italian territorial waters despite a ban.

"The Eleonore will soon arrive at Pozzallo," Sicily, tweeted German charity Lifeline which operates the vessel.

The ship has been at sea for eight days waiting for a safe port to dock after rescuing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ocean-viking-rescue-ship-awaits-port-access-in-latest-migrant-standoff-244800">around 100 migrants</a> in distress while crossing the Mediterranean.

Three charity vessels are currently banned from entering Italian territorial waters in accordance with the hardline politics of the outgoing League-Five Star Movement coalition government.

Italy customs officers seized the Eleonore as part of the draconian legislation after it sailed into Italian waters on Monday.

The ship's captain Claus-Pieter Reisch said he headed for Italy as "the situation on board is life-threatening" because of heavy rain overnight and stormy seas.

Another rescue vessel, the Mare Jonio, with 31 rescued migrants on board was on Monday holding its position in international waters off Italy's southern Lampedusa island awaiting a safe port, Luca Faenzi spokesman told AFP.

The Mare Jonio rescued 98 people in distress off Libya last week, with 67 vulnerable people disembarked to Italy, including women, children and urgent medical cases, Faenzi said.

A third vessel, the Alan Kurdi operated by German charity Sea Eye, was on Monday sailing between Malta and Italy after also being banned from Italian waters by outgoing far-right interior minister Matteo Salvini.

Salvini, who is being removed from the government after he tried to bring it down, issued a tough security decree earlier this year which fines rescue vessels a million euros and provides for them to be seized and their captains prosecuted if they enter Italian waters without authorisation.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is in talks to form a new government without Salvini.

Italian authorities on Monday seized the charity rescue vessel Eleonore with around 100 migrants aboard, who are to disembark after the ship entered Italian territorial waters despite a ban.

Italian authorities on Monday seized the charity rescue vessel Eleonore with around 100 migrants aboard, who are to disembark after the ship entered Italian territorial waters despite a ban. "The Eleonore will soon arrive at Pozzallo," Sicily, tweeted German charity Lifeline which operates the vessel. The ship has been at sea for eight days waiting for a safe port to dock after rescuing around 100 migrants in distress while crossing the Mediterranean. Three charity vessels are currently banned from entering Italian territorial waters in accordance with the hardline politics of the outgoing League-Five Star Movement coalition government. Italy customs officers seized the Eleonore as part of the draconian legislation after it sailed into Italian waters on Monday. The ship's captain Claus-Pieter Reisch said he headed for Italy as "the situation on board is life-threatening" because of heavy rain overnight and stormy seas. Another rescue vessel, the Mare Jonio, with 31 rescued migrants on board was on Monday holding its position in international waters off Italy's southern Lampedusa island awaiting a safe port, Luca Faenzi spokesman told AFP. The Mare Jonio rescued 98 people in distress off Libya last week, with 67 vulnerable people disembarked to Italy, including women, children and urgent medical cases, Faenzi said. A third vessel, the Alan Kurdi operated by German charity Sea Eye, was on Monday sailing between Malta and Italy after also being banned from Italian waters by outgoing far-right interior minister Matteo Salvini. Salvini, who is being removed from the government after he tried to bring it down, issued a tough security decree earlier this year which fines rescue vessels a million euros and provides for them to be seized and their captains prosecuted if they enter Italian waters without authorisation. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is in talks to form a new government without Salvini.

Now, Italy seizes rescue vessel Eleonore with 100 migrants onboard

Greece&#39;s port police said Monday at least 16 people including women and children have died in a suspected migrant boat sinking off the Aegean island of Lesbos.

The bodies of six women, a child and two men were recovered in Greek waters, while the Turkish coastguard found the bodies of another six men and a child, the Greek coastguard said in a statement.

Greek authorities had received no distress call prior to finding the bodies, a coastguard spokeswoman said.

Weather conditions in the area are mild.

Searches continue after a pregnant woman, one of two survivors, told officials that there had been a total of &nbsp;25 people on board.

According to the two African survivors, the boat capsized Sunday night, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said.

Greece&#39;s Aegean Sea islands are a primary transit point for refugees and migrants seeking to reach Europe from Turkey.

In 2015 and 2016, more than 1,000 refugees and migrants perished in the dangerous sea crossing.

Over a million people have landed in Greece since 2015, many of them fleeing civil war in Syria.

Another entry point is in northern Greece near the Turkish border where there was another accident involving migrants on Monday.

A van carrying 15 illegal migrants overturned in a high-speed chase with police, killing a 35-year-old Iranian on board, Greek police said in a statement.

Three migrants and the driver of the van, a 29-year-old Moldovan, were injured and hospitalised, police said. &nbsp;

Authorities added that as well as the deceased there were five Bangladeshis, three Pakistanis, three Iraqis and three Iranians in the van.

There have been fewer of these deadly accidents this year following an accord between the European Union and Turkey reached in March 2016 that has curtailed the influx of migrants.

According to UNHCR, around 4,900 people have tried to make the crossing from Turkey to Greece since the beginning of this year, compared with 173,450 reported arrivals in 2016.

(AFP)

Searches continue after a pregnant woman, one of two survivors, told officials that there had been a total of ?25 people on board

Greece's port police said Monday at least 16 people including women and children have died in a suspected migrant boat sinking off the Aegean island of Lesbos. The bodies of six women, a child and two men were recovered in Greek waters, while the Turkish coastguard found the bodies of another six men and a child, the Greek coastguard said in a statement. Greek authorities had received no distress call prior to finding the bodies, a coastguard spokeswoman said. Weather conditions in the area are mild. Searches continue after a pregnant woman, one of two survivors, told officials that there had been a total of 25 people on board. According to the two African survivors, the boat capsized Sunday night, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said. Greece's Aegean Sea islands are a primary transit point for refugees and migrants seeking to reach Europe from Turkey. In 2015 and 2016, more than 1,000 refugees and migrants perished in the dangerous sea crossing. Over a million people have landed in Greece since 2015, many of them fleeing civil war in Syria. Another entry point is in northern Greece near the Turkish border where there was another accident involving migrants on Monday. A van carrying 15 illegal migrants overturned in a high-speed chase with police, killing a 35-year-old Iranian on board, Greek police said in a statement. Three migrants and the driver of the van, a 29-year-old Moldovan, were injured and hospitalised, police said. Authorities added that as well as the deceased there were five Bangladeshis, three Pakistanis, three Iraqis and three Iranians in the van. There have been fewer of these deadly accidents this year following an accord between the European Union and Turkey reached in March 2016 that has curtailed the influx of migrants. According to UNHCR, around 4,900 people have tried to make the crossing from Turkey to Greece since the beginning of this year, compared with 173,450 reported arrivals in 2016. (AFP)

At least 16 migrants die after boat sinks off Greek coast

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