Macedonia, along with other Balkan countries on the migrant route, began turning away “economic migrants” almost two weeks ago.
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Greek police said 2,400 migrants had crossed into Macedonia in the 24 hours before 6 a.m. (0400GMT) Thursday, down from the recent daily average of 3,500.
The latest on the mass movement of asylum seekers and others seeking refuge in Europe.
The Austria Press Agency cited German federal police chief Hans-Georg Maasen as saying that some who blend in with the migrants fought with IS and are planning a “combat mission” once they arrive in Europe. Macedonia, along with several European countries, including EU members, has toughened the criteria for approving entry into the country in the wake of the Paris attacks on November 13. Pakistani migrants have been holding up banners highlighting human rights violations in their country, while seven men, believed to be from Iran, have sewn their mouths shut with string and twine after being trapped at the border for six days.
It made no sense to try to curb the migration flow that way if Europe was unable to control its external borders, she said.
Speaking on Sunday, Macedonia’s Prime Minister, Nikola Gruevski, said his government had no wish to stop those in genuine need of humanitarian protection. Police have advised all travelers to carry proof of their identity, including if they are moving around in border regions.
Muiznieks said that “voluntary solidarity has not worked so we need rules-based solidarity”.
Meanwhile, the Central Council of Jews in Germany called on Monday for a limit to the migrant influx because of problems with integrating the mainly Muslim newcomers, earning a quick rebuke from a pro-refugee charity.
Greece has seen a rebound in the number of crossings by migrants to its islands near the coast of Turkey despite growing difficulties in crossing the Balkans to reach central and northern Europe.
In the interview, Zeman said he would do it again.
Officers fought back with batons and grabbed at least a dozen of migrants who managed to run past the checkpoint and returned them to the makeshift camp in Greece.
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The protesters started to refuse blankets and food, and some of them said they’d rather be shot than go back to their countries. Through the end of October, some 47,000 people had applied for asylum this year.
