During a visit to Washington, the Greek minister in charge of immigration policy lamented what he described as Turkey's "blackmail," for greater assistance from the European Union.
Giorgos Komutsakos expressed concern about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent threats to "open the doors" of Europe to migrants.
Komutsakos said such statements, repeated by other Turkish government officials, prompt migrants to approach these doors "waiting to be opened," according to AFP.
The Greek official noted a 240 percent increase since May in the number of migrants arriving on the Greek coast.
The Greek minister added: "Turkey's request for more money in the manner of blackmail or threat does not contribute to the political climate needed for the Europeans to give it."
He follow: "Europe cannot be treated with threats or blackmail. Europeans need to understand the situation the Turks are facing today, but Ankara should also know that it is not the best way to negotiate with Europe."
On Wednesday, Greece announced the closure of three migrant camps on three Aegean islands near Turkey, and replaced them with closed positions,
It is a decision supported by Komutsakos, stressing that the current executive branch, unlike the previous left-wing governments headed by Alexis Tsipras, "is not concerned with the humanitarian aspect but also the security aspect."
During his visit to Washington, the Greek minister met with Acting U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Shad Wolf, who is in charge of immigration policy, a priority of President Donald Trump's administration.
He said Greece wants "enhanced cooperation" with the United States, especially on border control, even if the two countries do not face the same difficulties.
Turkey, which came under international criticism after its offensive in northeastern Syria against Kurdish forces, has threatened to send European ISIS fighters captured in Syria to their countries.
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