Tensions high at Greek-FYROM border

Tensions remained high at Idomeni, northern Greece, on Thursday after clashes between migrants and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) police forces which began late Wednesday were followed by violent confrontations between different refugee and migrant groups early Thursday.

According to Greek authorities, about 6,000 refugees and migrants had gathered at the Greek-FYROM border on Thursday morning. About 2,500 of them were identified as migrants who were not authorized to cross the border, coming from countries such as Iran and Pakistan. FYROM authorities were granting entry to nationals from countries such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Reports on Thursday suggested that Greek TRAINOSE trains were expected to arrive at the border later in the day and transport refugees and migrants wishing to move away from the area to Athens and Thessaloniki without charge.

FYROM authorities began erecting a 2.5 meter high fence along the Greek border last week.