Greece to Step up Screening for Islamic Militants

      

Greece's top security official says his government has accepted a request from the United States to step up screening at the country's ports and airports for suspected volunteers traveling from Europe to fight with Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq.

Public Order Minister Vassilis Kikilias met in Washington last week with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, CIA Director John Brennan and FBI Director James Comey.

Following his return, Kikilias on Monday briefed conservative Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on the visit, and said Greece would boost cooperation with the United States in countering the Islamic State group.

In September, U.S. Secretary of the Army John McHugh traveled to Greece to discuss the issue.

Greece is a major transit point for immigrants and refugees seeking illegal entry to European Union nations.