(ANSA) - ROME - Greece is calling for a 'conference' of countries in the front line of the European migration challenge, Greek Immigration Minister Ioannis Mouzalas said on Thursday. The meeting, which must send the message "that Europe must share rights and responsibilities", will be organised with Italy, Cyprus, Spain, Malta and Bulgaria, the minister added.

He made the statements following a meeting with Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti in Rome on Thursday. "It is necessary to form alliances, also because there are opposing alliances in Europe," continued Mouzalas in reference to Austria and the so-called Visegrad countries in central Europe that are hostile to the EU compulsory migrant relocation policy. "(These countries) have in the past suggested that Greece and Italy become 'depositories' for migrants and refugees. But this cannot be what Europe is. Such an approach generates populism and does not facilitate solutions at European or national level," he said. However, the conference will not take place before the first European Council meeting under the Maltese presidency next month, Mouzalas added. The Greek minister and Minniti also reportedly discussesd the issues of security and terrorism.

"We are responsible for guaranteeing security for the whole of Europe," Mouzalas said. "Other Europeans have often claimed terrorists have come through Italy or Greece due to poor controls. But it's not true, just think of Berlin," he continued.

The difficult conditions faced by migrants on the Greek island of Lesbos "does not do us honour", Mouzalas said.

"However, following the dismantling of Idomeni camp we provide heating, food and medical assistance to 99.3% of the 60,000 refugees and asylum seekers present in Greece," he concluded. (ANSA).