Greece airs concern over asylum-seekers seen on Turkey coast

Authorities in Greece expressed concern Monday that migrants and refugees are garing on Turkey's coast with plans to cross Aegean Sea to Greek islands despite movement restrictions in both countries to prevent spre of coronavirus.

Daily clashes between border police and asylum-seekers broke out at land border between Turkey and Greece in March after Turkish government said it would longer stop people from trying to enter Europe.

Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said authorities w “have seen signs of activity" on shores of Turkey.

“We will ... continue to do whatever it takes to defend our sovereign rights and guard borders of Greece and Europe," he said.

Greek islands last year were European Union’s busiest entry point for illegal migration, according to European border ncy Frontex.

Turkish authorities previously inhibited migration to Europe in return for Syrian refugee aid as part of a deal with EU.

Greek Defense Ministry officials said military personnel have been guarding country's land and sea borders since Turkey accused EU of t abiding by its commitments and said it would longer deter people heed to Europe.