President Sakellaropoulou speaks on the phone with German counterpart Steinmeier

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday called President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou on the telephone to express his country's complete support and the German people's solidarity, following the dramatic developments in Moria. He underlined that German ministers are in direct contact wtih their Greek counterparts, in order to swiftly provide assistance in efforts for the relief of those affected.

Sakellaropoulou briefed the German president on the situation in Moria, noting that the pandemic makes things even worse. She said that the first priority of the Greek authorities is the safety and health of the islanders and of the people hosted in Moria. She said that she has recently visited Lesvos and the Moria reception and identification centre and has a clear picture of the extremely difficult situation there. Sakellaropoulou said that she appreciates the German government's readiness to offer immediate support, as it is clear that the migration and refugee issue is not a Greek but a European problem.

On the situation in the Easten Mediterranean and Turkey's aggressiveness, Sakellaropoulou underlined that Turkey's attitude does not only pose a threat for Greece only but for peace in the entire region. She also expressed her concern over the provocative rhetoric used by top Turkish officials.

The German president expressed his deep concern over the escalation of the crisis, noting that there is always the risk of an accident, and said that Turkey's behaviour is threatening Europe's security.