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Macedonian army deployed at border to control migrant influx

Xinhua, August 21, 2015 Adjust font size:

Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov issued an order Thursday to deploy the army at the southern and the northern border of the country to deal with the increased influx of asylum seekers.

Macedonia declared a "state of emergency" in its two border regions, under the tension caused by rising number of refugees, the country's internal affairs ministry said.

The measure taken by the Macedonian government allows for the army to be deployed at the border for more efficient control over the migrant influx. The regions concerned are two ends of a south-north track passing through Macedonia towards Europe by refugees coming from the Middle East and Asia via Greece, according to the ministry.

"The engagement of the military is in two directions - to increase the security of the population and the border regions and secondly, to allow a more human approach towards the migrant seeking asylum in Macedonia or using this country as a transit towards Europe," police spokesperson Ivo Koteski said.

The government decision envisages a center for crisis management where an action plan will be developed to deal with the pressure caused by thousands of migrant trying to enter the country and transit towards Europe.

According to police statistics, Macedonian authorities in the past 24 hours have issued 1,327 permits to migrants that have crossed the border into the country.

With the latest amendments to its law, Macedonia allows three days of free transit to migrants who declare their intent to seek asylum. Otherwise they have to leave the country and continue their journey.

Most of the migrants come mainly from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan and will continue their journey through Serbia to the north towards Europe. However, 47 migrants have chosen to stay in Macedonia and seek asylum in this country.

Macedonian police has additional monthly expenses of over 800,000 euros (960,000 U.S. dollars) due to its increased patrolling at the border. (1 euro=1.12 U.S. dollars) Endit