Army and police moving towards border: Macedonia ready for new wave of migrants

Photo: Tanjug/AP

North Macedonia has a system in place to deal with a possible wave of migrants and all relevant institutions are activating their operational plans, the Crisis Coordination and Management Committee of that country has concluded, MIA reports.

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The Macedonian government said they are closely monitoring the situation and are in constant communication with partners from NATO and EU countries.

"The Republic of North Macedonia has established a system since the previous refugee crisis and it is ready and functional to respond to the challenges we would face as a transit country," said a press release from the Macedonian government.

It is also stated that the crisis on the southern border had continued throughout 2019, and in accordance with this decision, all institutions that have obligations in conditions of increased pressure at the Macedonian borders are increasing their presence and engagement.

The government stresses that the number of Macedonian police and soldiers deployed at the southern border has increased, and that operational plans for additional deployment have been confirmed in the event of a further increase in the number of migrants.

North Macedonia Prime Minister Oliver Spasovski says there is no expectation of an increased number of migrants for the time being, but, as he said, if the route opens, migrants will only be allowed to transit with a temporary stay of 72 hours.

The migrant route; Illustration: Nikola Jovanovic

Thousands of migrants are on the Turkish-Greek border after Turkish authorities announced they would open the border and allow migrants to go to the EU.

Following the Greek request for additional assistance, the FRONTEX agency deployed additional forces at that border.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)