Commission: Junker misinterpreted over joint patrols

ANA-MPA — The European Commission never called for joint Greek and Turkish coast guard patrols in the Aegean, but simply for more effective guarding of Greek and Turkish maritime borders, sources of the European Commission in Athens said on Friday.

The same sources said comments by Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker had been misinterpreted.

“What President Juncker meant is that it’s unacceptable to have people drowning between Turkey and Lesvos or Kos, in a 10-kilometer distance, and that better communication and coordination between Greek and Turkish authorities could save many lives,” the source added.