orient-news.net
Clashes between Afghan and Syrian migrants stuck in Greek refugee camps in Idomeni, Chios and Piraeus are reportedly escalating on a daily basis.
One photograph taken in Idomeni shows two men fighting – with one brandishing a knife.
The altercation reportedly ended quickly, leaving no one injured, but authorities say the shocking picture suggests that the makeshift camps "are powder kegs".
On Friday further clashes between Syrian and Afghan refugees were documented on Chios. Local media reports indicate two people were injured and had to be hospitalized.
Greece’s Alternate Minister of National Defense Dimitris Vitsas has meanwhile said the government aims to "decongest" Piraeus and Idomeni within the next 15 days, Globoble reported.
In a local radio interview, Vitsas said the refugees must be convinced to move and explained that the informal camps will gradually be evacuated.
In a Tweet on Thursday, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras also underlined the need to convince the refugees who have gathered at Idomeni and Piraeus to trust the local authorities and move the hospitality centers.
On Friday, a meeting of the Refugees and Migration Policy Government’s Council, chaired by Tsipras, was held to discuss new hosting areas for refugees at Idomeni and Piraeus ports.
Local media reported that sources indicated top priority was given to Piraeus in order for it to return to normal functioning.
On Friday, authorities said they had 52,046 refugees in camps and that 339 new arrivals were recorded in the past 24 hours, Tolo News reported.
