More Syrian refugees arrive in southern Albania

GJIROKASTRA, Oct. 23 – More than a dozen Syrian refugees, including several women and children, have been detained by Albanian authorities as they were crossing the Albania- Greece border illegally near the southern Kakavija border crossing.
Police said there were nine women and seven children the group. Albanian authorities say they are discussing returning the refugees to Greece based on a joint agreement.
The last few days have seen a rise in Syrian refugees arriving in Albania, mostly from Greece. They aim to travel through Albania and onward to other European countries.
In a rare case in Saranda last week several refugees sought asylum in Albania, saying the country is safer for them than Greece. They were taken a refugee welcoming center.
Albania is one of Europe’s poorest countries and offers little support with food and medical assistance for refugees through its reception centers, which makes the country unattractive to refugees looking to reach northern Europe.