2015-10-15 19:53:00

Hungary completes anti-migration fence on Croatia's border


Vatican Radio) Hungary’s government says an anti-migration fence built on the border with Croatia has been completed as part of efforts to stem the influx of migrants fleeing war and poverty and a decision on closing that border section to the free flow of refugees could be made soon.

Listen to the report by Stefan Bos

The fence protected with razor wire built on the border with Croatia, comes after a similar barrier was set up on the 175-kilometer long border with neighboring Serbia.

Hungary has also made cutting through or crossing the fence a crime punishable by up to three years imprisonment. Prosecutors have begun criminal procedures against hundreds of refugees, including many from Syria.  A court has already ordered the deportation of several of them back to Serbia.  

Hungary's rightwing Prime Minister Viktor Orban confirmed to reporters that a decision will also be made on whether to halt the free flow of migrants from Croatia through the official border crossing. "I hope that Europe will make an agreement to work together to close the external borders of Greece. If needed Hungary can join the forces,” he said. 

But he mad clear that as "a second option" he wants "first to talk with the Visegrad Group", made up of Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland "and European prime ministers on whether to close the Hungarian border with Croatia" for migrants. 

He said a decision could be made by early Friday.”

TENSIONS EXPECTED

The Hungarian move was expected to lead to tensions with Croatia where thousands of refugees have arrived every day. Some are given clothing, food and some shelter from the cold before they board buses or trains to move on to Hungary.

"There are European member states who are even thinking of sending troops to the borders of other member states, including to the Croatian border. This is absolutely unacceptable and insulting to the European idea," said Croatian Foreign Minister Vesna Pusic in clear reference to the Hungarian fence and many security forces in the area.  "If countries insist on border control...they can support Frontex instead of building walls and iron curtains in Europe again 26 years after we brought them down," Pusic said.

She spoke during a visit Thursday to Croatia's Opatovac Admission Center, where asylum seekers are given clothing, food and some shelter from the cold before they board buses or trains to move on to Hungary.
Pusic told reporters it is hard to cope with the thousands of people crossing into Croatia on foot but that added that her country is treating people "with dignity."

"Turkey has been shouldering this responsibility for four years and whatever you may think, they deserve support," she added. 

Hungary says it has to take action as 380.000 refugees arrived in Hungary illegally this year alone, though most of them want to go on to more welcoming, prosperous Western nations.
   








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