German, Austrian chancellors stress need to secure EU border
Solution for migration question is protecion of exterior borders
18 January, 16:06In his inaugural visit to Berlin since becoming chancellor last month, Kurz told reporters he remained "convinced that the solution for the migration question is in the orderly protection of exterior borders." He added that in his view Austria had already made a "dispropor tional contribution" in the refugee crisis, and that the Europe an discussion over countries accepting quotas of migrants was t aking up "too much room" at the expense of other solutions. Merkel also stressed the need to secure external borders and re duce illegal migration, while emphasizing that Germany believes all European countries need to help with the migrants who get through. "It can't be, in my view, that there are countries who say we w on't take part in European solidarity," she said. Merkel didn't name specific countries, but several Eastern European nations have opposed taking in migrants. The two chancellors suggested they were both taking a wait-and- see attitude on how political developments in their respective neighbors play out before passing judgment. Merkel, who has been critical of the nationalist anti-migrant Alternative for Germany that won seats in parliament for the fir st time in September's election, said it was too early to comment on Kurz's decision to form a coalition with the Freedom Party in Austria. "I want to make clear that we'll judge the new government on its actions," she said. Merkel added that what she'd heard from t he new Austrian government regarding Europe politics convinced her they would work with Germany in "very close cooperation." Kurz, meantime, declined to comment on Merkel's attempts to for m a new coalition government with the center-left Social Democr ats, saying he would refrain from "meddling in (German) politic s." But, he said, Merkel's "one of the most experienced government leaders" around, and that a "stable government in Germany is an advantage for both Austria and Europe." DAVID RISING/ (ANSA-AP).