The five Aegean islands that have received the main burden of refugee flows in Greece, will maintain their special value-added tax (VAT) status until the end of the year.

In a highly charged climate after the recent episodes (the crash of Greek Mirage, Ankara's statements on the removal of the Greek flag from the Anthropophagi islets, questioning the Greek territory on Imia by Turkey), the Greek MoD is vigorously watching Ankara's movements.

The co-ordinator of the European Union on the implementation of the EU-Turkey agreement on immigration Maarten Purvey has thrown the ball of responsibility for the situation in the refugee camp in Moria, Lesvos, to the court of "competent Greek authorities".