The latest on the migrant crisis in Croatia.
The outgoing Croatian Interior Minister Ranko Ostojić said that Slovenian decision to limit the number of migrants and refugees coming from Croatia to Slovenia and to demand data on the citizenship of migrants was unilateral and was not agreed with other countries. He added that a meeting between the heads of border police of Italy, Slovenia and Austria will be held later today. The meeting was proposed by the Austrian Interior Minister in order to consider the implementation of the conclusions of the Brussels meeting at the end of October last year between the leaders of the countries on the migrant route, reports Tportal on January 7, 2016.
This is a situation when, on the route of movement of migrants and refugees, some unilateral decisions are being made, at a time when Europe is “asleep”, warned Ostojić during a press conference at the Interior Ministry. “Croatia immediately informed Brussels and the other countries along the route that it expects them to abide by the same rules, because otherwise people would have to be returned”, said Ostojić. He added that Croatia insists on coordinated activities of all countries along the route.
According to the latest data from the Interior Ministry, on Wednesday more than 2,000 refugees entered Croatia. Since the beginning of the refugee crisis, 573,586 migrants and refugees have passed through Croatia.
“It is obvious that this is one of the most important topics and that we need to agree our position as soon as possible and prepare the necessary measures, because it could happen that there will be 3,000 people a day who will remain in Croatia, which could lead to domino effect in all the countries along the route”, Ostojić said. “Those who want to take charge of security in the country should start preparing themselves as soon as possible, because this is an important segment of national security.”
He assessed that the government has so far managed to ensure that the refugee crisis does not affect the national security of Croatia. However, the situation can change a lot in just 24 hours, he warned, adding that he could hardly wait to hand over his ministry to a new minister.
Ostojić said that the Macedonian police will receive help and the necessary equipment for the registration of refugees in order to get timely information about them before they come to Croatia and to react in case they are included in the Interpol list or are suspected of being linked to terrorism.
