Refugees arrive at Diavata hotspot (pics)

Three hundred refugees from Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan arrived at the former military camp “Anagnostopoulou” at Diavata which was turned into a refugee reception center. Another 1,600 people are expected to arrive today.

The representative of Interior Ministry and responsible for the hotspot in Diavata, Sakis Papathemelis, stated that if FYROM opens its border, refugees will be able to leave the center to head to Idomeni and then enter the neighboring country.

“The buses carrying the refugees arrive at the center gradually so as to be able to serve the people properly” he said adding that until the evening about 1,500-1,600 people are expected to arrive.

Mr. Papathemelis explained that “the registration process has been carried out systematically since early in the morning, while if needed, the refugees are also examined by doctors” adding that Greek Army is responsible for providing food and the management of facilities.

Mr. Papathemelis also thanked and congratulated, among others, the Greek Army, the commander of the 3rd Army Corps, the General Police Directorate of Thessaloniki and everyone who contributed in making the center suitable to host the refugees.