Brussels, 27/10/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 27 October, as the EU27 heads of state and government were preparing to make a further appeal at the end of the week for strengthening European migration policy, eight Afghan immigrations including four children lost their lives when their boat capsized near the Greek island of Lesbos, as they sought to cross the Aegean Sea from Turkey. A boat with 19 on board sunk after hitting rocks, the authorities on the island said. Eight passengers, including women and children, lost their lives and one person is still missing. According to the European external border agency, Frontex, 59% of those illegally arriving in the EU by sea come from the east of the Aegean Sea and the islands which are most affected are Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Leros and Patmos, close to the western coast of Turkey. Frontex points out that one of the main reasons for this increase is the refusal by Turkey to apply the agreement on re-entry of migrants rescued in the Aegean Sea by the Greek authorities. Furthermore, 297 immigrants were rescued after spending three days at sea off Sicily but one of the passengers died during the journey, in southern Italy. There were 46 women, 4 of whom were pregnant, and 29 children on board. The European Council, which is to be held in Brussels on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 October, is expected to call on EU member states to show proof of more solidarity in implementing European immigration and asylum policy. It is also expected to call for Frontex to be strengthened, and for cooperation with third countries, such as Turkey and Libya. (B.C./transl.jl)