Brussels, 03/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 3 March, on the sidelines of the Council of European ministers for Justice and home affairs, the Spanish minister for home affairs, Jorge Fernandez Diaz and European Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström held a meeting. The meeting focused on the controversy created by Spain's use of antiriot material on 6 February against immigrants attempting to get into Ceuta.
Fifteen immigrants died during these incidents and Malmström demanded that Spain provide her with an explanation. The Spanish government has been annoyed by this criticism and has asked the European Commission for emergency aid of €45 million. The minister informed the press that this assistance would go to funding “urgent” projects, such as the strengthening of the border perimeter and temporary reception centres for immigrants in Ceuta and Melilla. Diaz denounced the criticism of his country and rejected the description of the response by Spanish border guards as inappropriate and reckless. (LC)