German Chancellor Angela Merkel has pledged solidarity with Greece to tackle the migration crisis. „The question of the refugees is a question that concerns us all. Germany has always made it clear that we can not leave Greece alone here, „Merkel said today following a meeting with Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos in Athens.
She knew how difficult the situation was in the overcrowded recording and storage hotspots on the islands in the eastern Aegean. Berlin has always advocated a common asylum and refugee policy within the EU, „in which everyone must also contribute to solving such a problem“.
Camp completely overcrowded
In total, there are currently 14,000 migrants on the islands of Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Leros and Kos. The two camps in Lesbos (Moria) and Samos (Vathy) are completely overcrowded. More than 50,000 refugees live in different camps on the mainland.
Disagree on reparations question
On another issue, Germany and Greece are not so united. Athens continues to reserve reparations to Germany for damages from the Second World War. „This can be legally clarified at the European level,“ said Pavlopoulos. That’s historically correct, he added.
Merkel said the Germans are aware of their historical responsibilities. „We also know how much suffering we have brought over Greece as Germany in the time of National Socialism. Therefore, the lesson for us is to do everything, to have good relations with Greece and to support each other for the benefit of both, Greece and Germany, „Merkel said.
A commission of experts convened by the Athens Parliament had already estimated the extent of the war damage at least 289 billion euros three years ago. For Germany the topic is completed with the 1990 signed as international basis for the German reunification two plus four contract. It states that „no further reparations“ are planned.
