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 5 November 2009
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UN chief urges Greek government to continue to assist migrants

05/11/2009

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has ended his visit to Greece, where he attended the Third Global Forum on Migration and Development.

SG Ban Ki-moon in Greece

SG Ban Ki-moon in Greece

Asked what message he had for officials in Greece about their commitment to assist migrants and those seeking asylum, Mr. Ban said all states including Greece have a sovereign right to determine who can enter and stay in their countries. Still, he expressed a wish that Greece, as an important European Union member, would remain open to evaluating their migration-related policies.

"As host of this very important Third Global Forum on Migration and Development, I think Greek government may have very important political and moral responsibilities to addressing all these refugees and asylum seekers in accordance with the relevant international laws and regulations."

Noting the rapid progress of globalization and the global financial crisis, the UN Chief says we're living in an age of mobility. Today he says there are an estimated 215 million migrants worldwide; the highest number in recent history.

Gail Walker, United Nations Radio
(duration: 1'10")

Sound bites

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon cut 1

"As host of this very important Third Global Forum on Migration and Development, I think the Greek government may have very important political and moral responsibilities to addressing all these refugees and asylum seekers, in accordance with the relevant international laws and regulations."
Duration: 00:00:25

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon cut 2

"We live in what I call an age of mobility. With the rapid progressive globalization and in the middle of this financial economic crisis it is all the more important, and it has become very important and serious issues that we must address this issue in a harmonious and more comprehensive manner."
Duration: 00:00:26

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon cut 3

"People are crossing borders like never before in pursuit of opportunity for hope for their better life. The number of international migrants is approaching the record high. I quoted the number 215 million people. This is the highest ever in the recent history."
Duration: 00:00:23