ANNUAL POLICY REPORT 2012 limited, due to the fact that, on the one hand, the country is facing particularly high illegal immigration flows and has increased needs in this area and, one the other hand, it faces a difficult economic conjuncture (even though the cost to participate is fully compensated by Frontex, the inability of direct reimbursement of expenses by the Agency leads to the commitment of funds from the state budget). 4. Irregular Migration and Return. Illegal immigration as a policy area was found in 2012 at the heart of government action and public debate. In particular, it sought to reduce the stock of illegal immigrants through Operation "Xenios Zeus", the establishment of Detention Centers and the promotion of voluntary return programs. At the same time, it targeted to address the problem by promoting bilateral and EU readmission agreements. 4.1 Irregular Migration. In 2012 developments in the policy field of the fight against irregular migration have been an issue for critique, arousing tensions among stakeholders at all levels in various forms: between government and opposition, between central government and either local government, or Decentralized Administrations, among responsible state agencies and migrants' organizations and NGOs. The issue at stake has drawn the attention of officials and representatives from international organizations (Council of Europe and UN) and representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament, FRONTEX, who expressed in turn their respective views and recommendations. Interest has also been focused on the 'Xenios Zeus' operations in various regions of the country, as well as on the detention centers in conjunction with to-beestablished First Reception Centers (setup and aspects of their operation). More specifically, reflecting the policy priorities of the newly appointed government regarding the fight against irregular migration (entry and residence)112, the Ministry of Public Order and Citizen's Protection launched the operation 'Xenios Zeus', on 2nd and 3rd August 2012, in the center of Athens and in Evros region (Northeast Greece), as a long-lasting operation, namely a constant measure, in contrary to other 'sweep-operations'. 'Xenios Zeus' is an ambitious extensive operation in terms of the covered geographical areas, the involved personnel and their field of action. According to the Hellenic Police Force, three policy goals can be discerned and corresponding axes adopted for conducting these operations: a) repel irregular migrants from Evros region and sealing the borders, b) return irregular migrants to their countries of origin, starting from those detected in the center of Athens and continuing with the periphery of the country113, c) restoration of the rule of law and quality of living 112 See relevant reference in section 2.1 of the present Report. 113 In public discourse the phrase “re-taking over the cities” has emerged, Interview of Minister of Public Order and Citizen Protection, N. Dendias at the radio station Flash and journalist Κ. Parras, 43