Greece's Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Dendias has stressed that the European Union's external borders, must be protected and that the weaponisation and abuse of the migrant crisis not be allowed to take hold.
Dendias made the comments during an EU Foreign Ministers video-conference on Tuesday which was urgently held to discuss developments in Afghanistan, with the coordination for the safe removal EU citizens a key priority.
The Minister also expressed his appreciation for plans of some EU member states to include in the evacuation Afghan nationals who had worked as interpreters for Greek forces in the country, as part of a NATO mission, and their families.
The EU should underline the need for a representative government in Afghanistan, while the Taliban must respect fundamental rights and freedoms, and guarantee the protection of women, minors and minorities, as well as of cultural heritage, said the Minister.
Dendias warned that migration flows would increase, and a new humanitarian crisis should be averted. There should be agreement and collaboration on the issue of migration, and a clear message to third countries like Turkey that the issue must not be used for political means. The close coordination with other powers should begin with the United States, he noted.
READ: Greek President Calls For The Protection Of Afghan Women
