Turkish Gendarme Forces Arrested 25 Illegal Emigrants In Ayvacik

CANAKKALE - Turkish gendarmery arrested 25 illegal emigrants in northwestern Canakkale province, sources said on Tuesday.
A total of 25 Iraqis who wanted to pass clandestinely into Greece will be deported following legal proceedings, officials said.
Turkey is a transit country for illegal migration due to its geographical location lying between Asia and Europe, with its rough mountainous eastern and southeastern borders difficult to control. Illegal immigrants from Middle Eastern, Asian and Far Eastern countries generally use this route to sneak into European countries.
In the West, northwestern Edirne province and some other Aegean provinces are preferred by illegal emigrants to cross the border. Particularly Meric River, a natural border between Turkey and Greece, and Aegean provinces which are close to Aegean Islands are used by illegal emigrants to go to European countries.
In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the number of illegal immigrants caught by the Turkish security forces who beefed up security measures against illegal migration.
(GC-ULG) 06.07.2004