Greek premier says borders are closed, will not reopen in near future

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called on refugees on Tuesday to allow the Athens government to move them from Idomeni camp to reception centers, stressing that the borders are “closed” and will not be reopened in the near future.

In a joint press conference with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, who is currently on an official visit to Athens, Tsipras urged the refugees present in Idomeni not to insist on staying in this area, indicating that the borders were not closed by chance and there is no possibility they will be reopened.

Tsipras made his remarks after some 1,000 migrants and refugees left Idomeni camp on Monday and crossed the border to Macedonia by river.