Libya operation costs Greece 6.5 million euros monthly: official

Wed, March30, 2011 05:51:00

ATHENS, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Greek Defense Minister Evangelos Venizelos said Tuesday that the military operation under way to tackle the crisis in Libya costs Greece some 6.5 million euros ( about 9.15 million U.S. dollars) every month.

Addressing a parliamentary committee over the issue, Venizelos stressed that debt-ridden Greece will continue to undertake its supporting role in the operation which aims to enforce the UN Security Council resolution on the protection of civilians in the war-torn northern African country.

Meanwhile, Greek media reported that aided by the EU's border monitoring agency Frontex, Greece is boosting sea patrols in the Mediterranean Sea in face of a new influx of illegal immigrants from troubled North Africa.

Frontex has been supporting Greek efforts against illegal migration in northern Greece on its border with Turkey since last autumn. Frontex will strengthen its operation around the southern Greek island of Crete and similar operations in Italian waters, according to local media reports.

Over the past few days, at least 5,000 people illegally reached Italy from north Africa and approximately 500 arrived in Malta. (sourced Xinhua)