Brussels, 15/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 14 May while visiting Greece, European Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström welcomed the efforts made by Greece to improve its asylum system. She nevertheless reiterated her concerns about the low number of affirmative responses to asylum seekers - particularly to Syrian refugees.
The number of people obtaining international protection in Greece continues to be “very weak and I am particularly concerned by this situation, especially as regards the Syrians”, she said during a press conference in Athens, reported by AFP. Malmström stated that the Syrians, when applying to other European countries, are “100% protected” - although this level of protection is “close to zero in Greece”. The situation must “clearly change” she said, stating that she had, however, received assurances about this from the Greek minister responsible for the issue, Nikos Dendias. On her blog on Monday, Malmström noted that progress had been made in Greece in the handling of migrants and asylum seekers, and that a new asylum centre was also going to be opened in Athens - about which she was very pleased. The “worst centres” for the retention of asylum seekers have been closed. Despite the progress, the welcome conditions for asylum seekers remain “unacceptable”, Malmström said - especially with regard to international and European human rights standards. She also reiterated her concerns about the rise in racist and xenophobic acts, following the arrival of the extreme right Golden Dawn party in the Greek parliament. According to a recent report from the Council of Europe, anti-immigrant acts have risen significantly in Greece and the government's response is not currently adequate. A law criminalising agitation against ethnic minorities is being worked upon, however, Malmström stated. Greece, condemned by the European Court of Human Rights in 2011, has to follow a European action plan to bring its asylum system up to international and European standards. It is in respect of this that the other member states have temporarily suspended transferring asylum seekers to the country - transfers that are theoretically possible under the Dublin regulation. (SP/transl.fl)