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25,000 migrants reach Greece, as govt extends border wall

Increased migratory pressure both at Evros and in the Aegean Sea

25 August, 16:42
(ANSA-AFP) - ATHENS, AUG 25 - The Greek government said on Thursday that some 25,000 migrants had tried to enter the country through its border with Turkey in August, as it announced plans to dramatically extend a wall between the two neighbours. Athens will extend a 40-kilometre (25-mile) long wall built along the Greek-Turkish border at Evros by another 80 km as part of efforts to control the flow of migrants. Greek government spokesman Giannis Oikonomou said that the country was facing "increased migratory pressure" both at its land border in Evros and in the Aegean Sea. "In August alone, with the month not yet over, 25,000 migrants tried to enter illegally through the Greek-Turkish borders," Oikonomou said at a press briefing.

Greece has already said that there are more arrivals this year than in the previous years. As well as extending the wall, Oikonomou said the government will install thermal cameras and deploy an additional 250 border guards. (ANSA-AFP).

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