Expropriations in the works for creation of closed migrant centers

The long-awaited creation of closed centers for asylum seekers on five northeastern Aegean islands was announced on Monday by government spokesman Stelios Petsas, who stressed that a legislative act will be issued to allow for the acquisition of properties, land and sites by expropriation.

Petsas said the legislative act will "authorize" the Migration and Asylum Ministry to proceed "with the expropriation...of the necessary property and land for crisis management in order to address the urgent need to avoid endangering public health and order."

The closed centers will be created on Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos and Leros.

Given the objections and concerns of local communities, Petsas said that the site selection was made following an "exhaustive dialogue" with the competent regional and local authorities and after an appeal was made by the regional governor of the...