Berlin takes strong stand against smuggling amid allegations of visa sales in Poland, Russia’s migration role – German govt spox

« Maximillian Kall, Spokesperson for the Ministry for Internal Affairs, emphasised the German government’s commitment to combat ‘smuggling crimes’ and save lives, highlighting the importance of apprehending smugglers responsible for transporting vulnerable individuals in dire conditions, such as ‘tiny vehicles’ without oxygen, water, or food, asserting ‘That’s what it’s about, that’s the focus, » in a press conference in Berlin on Monday.
Germany has taken significant steps to bolster border security. Kall revealed that the federal police forces at the country’s borders have seen substantial reinforcements, with plans for further expansion. He emphasised that these measures were essential but not ‘permanent,’ as border controls within the Schengen area remain the exception rather than the rule.
“That’s why the main thing is to use the common European asylum system to ensure that the external borders are effectively protected and that everyone at the external borders is checked and everyone is registered,” he added.
Steffen Hebestreit, the German government spokesperson, addressed allegations against Poland regarding visa sales in exchange for financial gains. He stressed the importance of seeking clarification at both national and European levels. T
“The EU Commission has already contacted Warsaw and we also think that is very important. The allegations are not small that visas were supposed to have been sold there in exchange for cash benefits, » he explained.
Chancellor Scholz had expressed his concerns and the need for critical questions to be answered regarding the registration of refugees in Europe. Hebestreit highlighted that the issue of unregistered refugees could not continue, and the Chancellor’s statement was directed not solely at Poland but as a broader concern within the European context.
In response to a journalist’s question about Russia’s role in using migration as a weapon to weaken the EU, Hebestreit acknowledged it as a partial aspect of the challenges faced by the EU but emphasised that it was not the sole issue at hand.
Sebastian Fischer, Foreign Ministry spokesperson, provided insights into the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. He noted that EU observers were active on the Armenian side of the border but clarified that their mandate did not permit entry into Nagorno-Karabakh itself.
Expressing concern for the Armenian population in the region, Fischer condemned recent military violence from Azerbaijan describing it as ‘unacceptable’ and called on the country to protect civilians and prevent the forced migration of ethnic Armenians.
Hebestreit reiterated Germany’s stance on the conflict, urging Azerbaijan ‘to immediately stop the act of war, respect international law and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Armenia.’ »



Source link