On progress in the field of asylum and migration compared to her last visit to Cyprus, Ms Beate Gminder Ann. Director General of the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) of the European Commission, noting that Cyprus is developing into a model of best practice for other Member States as well.
Interior Minister Nikos Nouris met today with Ms. Beate Gminder, Director General of the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) of the European Commission. In a statement to journalists, the Minister thanked her for visiting Cyprus for the umpteenth time.
The Minister thanked her for visiting Cyprus for the umpteenth time. Referring to what he described as the important "Lakes" project, he said that a funding proposal of 72 million euros had been submitted by the European Commission. "I am hopeful and optimistic that we will get a positive response to cover the whole of this expenditure," the minister said.
In addition, he noted that the issue of upgrades at Pournara was also discussed. This is a centre that "faces several problems due to overcrowding," he said, explaining that the Interior Ministry "is already proceeding with money from the national budget to install external fencing, improve the drainage system at the centre, and expand the housing units." He added that "with the help of the European Union we have completed the protection zone for minors and the new medical centre". He noted that much more remains to be done. "There are issues that need improvement, because of always the overcrowding."
He mentioned that the next issue discussed is the issue of the Green Line surveillance unit, which he said is also in the news, since the House of Representatives this afternoon in plenary will be asked to vote on it. "I want to hope that they will vote in favour of the bill to establish the Green Line Surveillance Unit," he said and informed that "we have already submitted our proposal for the funding of this unit, for which we hope there will be similar support."
He further informed that "the issue of the new migration and asylum policy, which is being discussed these days under the French Presidency, was discussed."
"All these issues are put under the prism of the Ukrainian crisis," he said. "We are not unaware of the help that the European Union is giving us. On the contrary, we are grateful for all the support we have," he continued.
At the same time, of course, we recognize, he said, "that the crisis in Ukraine has created liquidity problems in Europe itself, and of course there is a redistribution of resources. We want to hope that the redistribution will be such that it will not be an obstacle to providing the required assistance."
He concluded by expressing his gratitude again to the European Commission and the Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs, as well as to the Delegation of the European Commission in Cyprus for their support.
For her part, Ms Beate Gminder, in her statements, speaking on the area of migration and asylum, referred to the progress made since her last visit to Cyprus.
She noted that due to the invasion of Ukraine and the refugee flows, there is a high level of commitment on the part of Member States to support refugees, as is the case in Cyprus. He thanked Cyprus and the Minister of Interior for the efforts made in terms of reception and care of refugees.
He then welcomed all efforts made to improve in the area of returning those who are not entitled to asylum and protection to their countries of origin.
Cyprus has done much to speed up procedures and increase the engagement of third countries, he said. I think you are really developing into a model of best practice for other member states, Ms Beate said.
She noted that she is in permanent dialogue with other countries on migration flows, noting that it is a difficult issue.
She added that an agreement on financial support for the construction of the Lakes Centre, which she said would be able to accommodate more people in decent conditions, is close to being reached.
(EFYs)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
