NATO Ignores Turkey, Will Keep Cracking Down on Aegean Refugees

NATO will keep its presence in the Aegean Sea to crack down on migration flows, despite pleas from Turkey to withdraw its warships.

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"There is no end date for NATO's activity in the Aegean Sea ... (but) NATO will continue to keep this mission under regular review," said a NATO official to AFP.

NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg praised the mission, saying it had "decreased substantially" the flow of migrants and was "making a difference."

The mission referred to was launched in February to tackle the huge flow of refugees and migrants to Greece on board rickety boats from Turkey. Several warships were involved in the mission launched after Turkey, Greece and Germany requested it.

A new maritime security mission will bolster a current anti-trafficking mission “ to help increase the EU’s situational awareness and provide logistical support,” Stoltenberg said.

Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik called Thursday for the mission's end because "there is no need for NATO forces in the Aegean."

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"This was a temporary mission, and the goal has been reached," he told the state Anadolu Agency. He added that the sharp drop in refugees trying to get to Greece means there is no longer a need for warships to patrol its coast.

"Whether this NATO force is here or not, we will continue our battle against this migrant movement," he said.

Greece complained to NATO about the presence of Turkish navy submarines in Greek waters earlier this month but praised the NATO mission, which “ has helped our allies in NATO observe Turkish provocation, violation of international rules and the attempt to create a climate of upheaval between two members,” said Greek Defense Minister Panos Kammenos.

Greece’s migration minister had pointed out earlier that Turkey was not pulling its share of the migrant deal since reception centers are overcrowded.

A third as many refugees have entered Europe this year compared to last year, but more have died in the crossing this year — the highest rate on record.