Roundup: NATO to provide support to address refugee crisis in Europe

NATO defense Ministers on Thursday agreed to provide support to assist with the refugee crisis in Europe, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at the press conference following the ministerial meeting.

"The goal is to participate in the international efforts to stem the illegal trafficking and illegal migration in the Aegean," said he.

NATO's Standing Maritime Group 2 which is currently deployed in the region will be tasked to conduct reconnaissance, monitoring and surveillance of the illegal crossings in the Aegean sea in cooperation with relevant authorities, according to the NATO chief.

NATO was criticized being almost absent from the crisis that could undermine the stability of some of the countries in southern Europe.

Before the meeting, three NATO allies, Turkey, Germany and Greece have requested NATO's participation to help in dealing with the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War.

"The refugee crisis affects all of us and we have to contribute in finding solutions," Stoltenberg stated at the press conference.

"The mission is not about stopping or pushing back refugee boats," said Stoltenberg.

He added: "NATO will contribute critical information and surveillance to help counter human trafficking and criminal networks. We will do so in cooperation with national coastguards, and working closely with the European Union." Endit