P. Paraskevaides answers the question “Who brought the Turkish Tourists to Lesvos”

Dear Editor-in-Chief

In the from 4-16-24, opinion article, entitled “Who brought the Turkish Tourists to Lesbos?” refers to the history of the issue that concerns our islanders, up to the pilot application of the new 7-day visa expedited program.

Recognizing, clearly, the decisive contribution of the North Aegean Region, I am simply obliged to note that the Member of Parliament of N. Lesvos, Mr. Panagiotis Paraskevaidis, was one of the first to start immediately after his election as a Member of Parliament, his own effort to pressure the government, in the same direction, so that today we have this positive outcome for our country.

In particular, the Member of Parliament PASOK – KINAL, from AUGUST 2023 submitted the no. 356/4-8-2023 QUESTION to the Competent Ministers on the subject

“Expedited short-term visa program for tourists from Turkey at the East Aegean Islands Ports of Entry“which had since been communicated to you, for the information of your readership, which I am also attaching to you today.

With this QUESTION, the Member of Parliament raised, to the competent Ministers, the Need for the Permanent Establishment of the Rapid visa issuance program at the customs offices of the Eastern Aegean islands, even proposing the Reduction of extradition costs for families, as an additional incentive to Strengthen the tourist stream from the Turkish coasts.

On the contrary, this year the Government DOUBLE THE COST FROM €35 to €70…….

I am putting this on the table, for the Objective and Complete Information, both yours and the public’s, and without any inclination to discredit the contribution of anyone, not even the Government, although we believe that the new program was made in the context of serving the new Greek-Turkish approach Mitsotakis – Erdogan.

Yours sincerely,

From the Political Office of Panagiotis Paraskevaidis

Member of Parliament of N. Lesvos

PASOK – KINAL