President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović goes to southern Macedonia.
The situation on the Macedonian-Greek border is very difficult and the pressure of migrants is great, but Western Balkan route remains closed until the countries they want to reach declare whether they will accept them or not, said Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović after visiting the Vinojug temporary reception transit centre in Gevgelija in Macedonia, reports Index.hr on April 13, 2016.
Croatian President arrived at the Macedonian-Greek border together with Macedonian President Ivanov and Slovenian President Pahor. “The situation on the border is quite complicated, as you can see the migrants from across the border, in Greece, are continuing to try to cross the border and reopen the Balkan route”, said the President.
The President talked with migrants from Syria, Pakistan and Afghanistan and learned how difficult their life in the camp was. “I think we owe them answers, that the European Union and individual member states must send a clear message what to do next because this migrant wave and pressure will not stop until these messages become clear”, said Grabar-Kitarović.
She pointed out the fact that their destination was Germany and other countries in Western Europe and that they did not want to go anywhere else. “Therefore, the EU should clearly define and formulate its policies towards migrants and accept those who are entitled to asylum, who are refugees from the war”, said the President.
Croatian and Slovenian Presidents today took the opportunity to express their support for Macedonia’s European integration, as well as to other countries of Southeast Europe who meet the criteria. The President commented on the latest developments in Macedonia and explained that she and President Pahor the day earlier held talks with both the ruling parties and the opposition and expressed their wish for problems to be solved.
In the camp, President Grabar-Kitarović also met with about a dozen members of the Croatian police who are helping their Macedonian counterparts in securing the situation and calming the tensions. “Croatia will continue to support Macedonia in securing the border”, said the President.
