Szijjarto urges continued pushback against migration pressure

Contrary to the claims of United Nations and European Union officials, migration pressure on Europe has increased in the recent period, and the continent must continue to stand firm in keeping the Western Balkan migration route closed, the foreign minister said on Thursday. "UN and EU officials in Brussels and New York want to put us to sleep and give the impression that the migration crisis is over," Peter Szijjarto told MTI by phone from Sofia. Szijjarto argued that Turkey apprehended 50 percent more illegal migrants last year than in 2017. Meanwhile, Spain stopped 57,000 illegal entrants, double the number it registered the previous year, he said, adding that Cyprus had seen a similar rise in the number of illegal migrants. The number of people attempting to breach the Greek-Turkish land border is also rising, the minister added.