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The central commission for archaeology has overcome all bureaucratic obstacles and voted on providing the Roman Theatre on the island of Kos as temporary asylum to refugees. At its meeting, the commission members evaded the relevant "obstacle", namely the fact that this archaeological site falls within a protected area of the first degree and supported the request of the organization "Doctors without Borders" to arrange tents to shelter 240 people as well as 12 chemical toilets.

Protected area used as a parking lot

Many questions, however, have been provoked by the fact that in the summer the municipality uses the archaeological site under question as a parking lot although it is located in such a protected area. The reply is that only the construction of buildings is prohibited in a protected area of ​​the first degree, and respectively the pitching of tents. Moreover, visitors to the theatre park their cars there in the summer months when there is a large tourist influx. Things are even more flexible in a protected area of ​​the second degree, where construction works are allowed.

It took special research and preparation to take a decision on providing to refugees a protected area of ​​the first degree under the law. According to sources, members of the central commission of archaeology found it difficult how to give the green light for the use of the archaeological site.

As stated by Apostolos Veizis, Programmes Director at "Doctors without Borders", who attended the meeting, "300 people arrive at the island every day, the majority of whom stay there three days. An immediate state intervention is required in order for these people to be sheltered somewhere, to be provided with food and medical care." "There are people who still sleep outdoors, and winter is coming. Something must be done," he stressed, adding that since March 2015 the organization has registered over 16,000 sick refugees at all points where they enter the country and 62% of the cases are related to living conditions. "Refugee accommodation on Kos is a huge problem," continues the specialist. "Despite the efforts we have made, there is no response. Reception centres do not exist. Hotel Captain Elias was placed at our disposal for some time but Piraeus Bank took it back. We have made attempts at all levels but our efforts have remained fruitless," concludes Apostolos Veizis.

According to the International Organisation for Migration in Geneva, a record number of migrants and refugees, namely 309,356, have arrived in Greece by sea since the beginning of the year.