The European Union calls on Iraq to clarify its role in the arrival of irregular migrants to Lithuania

Thursday 29 July 2021 22:08
 
Baghdad / NINA / - The European Union Commissioner for Security and Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell called on Iraq to justify the reason for using Baghdad Airport to transport migrants to Belarus, from which illegal immigrants sneak into Lithuania.

Borrell spoke last Tuesday with Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein "about the way to deal with the increasing number of Iraqi citizens who cross into Lithuania illegally from Belarus."

He wrote in a tweet: "This is a matter of concern to a member state of the European Union and the entire bloc... We are counting on Iraq's support."

Borrell said in an interview published Thursday by the Spanish newspaper "El Pais": "A route has been launched to transport Iraqi migrants by plane from Baghdad to Minsk, and then by bus to the Lithuanian border, which they cross illegally. This is Belarus' response to the sanctions."

"Unfortunately, migrants are once again being used as a weapon," he added.

Borrell's spokesman, Adalbert Jans, indicated that the majority of the migrants escorted to Lithuania are Iraqis and will not be granted asylum.

Lithuania, a member of the European Union and NATO, has recorded 2,700 new immigrants since the beginning of this year.

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