05/01/2010 (Agence Europe) - Current statistics show that the rate of illegal immigrants arriving in the Spanish Canary Islands is at its lowest for 10 years. This announcement was made by the islands' most senior authorities on Saturday 2 January. These authorities indicated 2,242 immigrants reached the islands from African shores in 2009, as opposed to more than 9,000 in 2008 and 31,600 in 2006. The head of the Spanish government, José Luis Zapatero, was pleased to announce that the total number of illegal immigrants arriving in Spain fell by half, to 7,000 in 2009, as opposed to 14,000 in 2008. He affirmed that his country was “winning the battle” against illegal immigration. According to Zapatero, this fall is mainly due to cooperation agreements concluded with African countries and the strengthening of Frontex on African coastlines. According to immigration specialists, the economic crisis in Spain has also discouraged illegal immigration. Between 2005 and 2007, Spain accepted many immigrants attracted by the country's economic boom. (V.L.B./transl.fl)