by Our Foreign Desk

HUNGARY threatened desperate refugees yesterday, taking full-page notices in Lebanese newspapers warning that “the strongest possible action is taken” against people entering the country illegally.

Budapest, which has already closed its Serbian border, also erected another steel barrier at the Beremend border crossing from Croatia to try to slow the flow of people fleeing violence and hardship.

“Do not listen to the people smugglers,” the advertisement read in English and Arabic.

“Hungary will not allow illegal immigrants to cross its territory.”

Denmark’s Ministry of Immigration, Integration and Housing posted similar notices in Lebanese newspapers earlier this month, announcing that it had recently halved social aid to refugees.

It warned that migrants whose applications were rejected would be deported immediately.

Former Polish president Lech Walesa waded into the issue yesterday, insisting that those coming to Poland must respect its rules and Catholic religion.

The founder of Solidarity said that rules for admission were needed, stoking fears that religious and social problems would emerge over time.

“If someone agrees to the rules, he is admitted. If not, that’s his choice,” he said.

Croatia set up a refugee reception centre in the eastern village of Opatovac yesterday to counter criticism that it has done little to help asylum-seekers.

Interior Minister Ranko Ostojic visited the camp and boarded a bus full of refugees, telling them that they had nothing to fear.

“You will be here for a short time in the camp to take refreshment, food, whatever you need and then you will be transported to Europe,” he said.