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NATO to participate in efforts to stem illegal migration in Aegean Sea

Xinhua, February 25, 2016 Adjust font size:

NATO is to participate in international efforts to cut the lines of illegal trafficking and illegal migration across the Aegean Sea, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement Thursday.

NATO defense ministers decided to provide support to assist with the refugee and migrant crisis in Europe two weeks ago, in response to proposals by Germany, Greece, and Turkey.

"Since then, intense work has been underway," said Stoltenberg.

NATO's Standing Maritime Group 2 has arrived in the Aegean Sea, which is conducting reconnaissance, monitoring and surveillance activities, according to the NATO chief.

"Our ships will be providing information to the coastguards and other national authorities of Greece and Turkey. This will help them carry out their duties even more effectively to deal with the illegal trafficking networks," he said.

NATO is also establishing direct links with Frontex, the European Union's border agency and will conduct its activities in the Aegean Sea.

"Our commanders will decide the area where they will be operating, in coordination with Greece and Turkey," added Stoltenberg. Endit