The Greek authorities have already arrested some 1,300 suspected human traffickers on the Evros River

MADRID, 8 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Greek Border Guard has already detained some 1,300 suspected smugglers along the Evros river, which borders Turkey and prevented some 256,000 migrants from crossing its waters to the European Union, according to the Greek Minister of Citizen Protection, Takis Theodorikakos.

In an interview with Skai, the minister also confirmed that the Greek government's decision to build a separation fence on the Evros River, a structure that will be about 140 kilometers long, is "final."

Athens wants to almost completely cover the border at Evros due to the increasing number of illegal border crossings from Turkey, so it intends to add more border fencing along the river to the 35 in preparation.

"The idea is that we are starting the construction of the first 35 kilometers at a central point," explained the minister about a project estimated at 100 million euros and will have the collaboration of the Ministry of Defense.

The latter ministry has already completed the pertinent study and the formal approval of the Finance Ministry remains to be awaited, he said.