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AP communication
Athens, Greece (AP) —The Greek Coast Guard said on Monday that it had prevented more than 1,000 migrants and refugees from the coast near Turkey by boat across the island over the past three days.
Near five islands in the eastern Aegean Sea, the boats were turned back in 24 separate incidents involving an estimated 1,130 people, with most interceptions occurring off the coast of Lesbos, officials said.
Greece has recently strengthened its migration policy and upheld the decision to regularly intercept boats at sea. Human rights groups claim to undermine refugees' right to escape danger and seek international protection.
Athens claims that most of the people heading to the coast are not at risk in Turkey.
Greece is also supporting the initiative of Spain to host the NATO Summit in Madrid this week, deepening Europe's involvement with Middle Eastern and North African countries and limiting migration.
