Greece suspends stricter border controls after airport delays

The leadership of the Greek Police (ELAS) has decided to suspend stricter border controls at airports and entry points into country - as part of tighter rules introduced within the Schengen area - after travelers suffered serious delays on the measure's first day of implementation on April 7.

Besides citizens of third countries traveling in and out of the Schengen area, the rule also applies to European Union citizens and stipulates that travelers undergo detailed checks at the border.

In a document sent to the European Commission, Frontex and EU member-states on Sunday, ELAS's aliens and border protection unit announced that the border control measures will be suspended for six months.

The rules were introduced in a bid to stem the flow of Islamic extremists within the Schengen area, but huge delays at Athens International Airport - and to a lesser degree at the...