Luxembourg, 15/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - On Monday in Luxembourg, the General Affairs Council adopted the following conclusions on illegal immigration:
"The Council addressed the issue of EU external borders control, and in particular of sea border controls, following increased illegal immigration on Member States' shores. Fully aware of the gravity of the situation, the Council emphasises the absolute need for obtaining an effective cooperation of countries of origin and transit of this flow in the fight against illegal immigration and trafficking of human beings, and the serious violations of human rights which result from such trafficking. The European Union will work to increase the rapidity and the efficiency of its action. Such action must consist in an integrated approach, ensuring appropriate coordination between migration policy and the best use of all the instruments available in the framework of its external relations. In this context, the Council welcomes the intention of the Commissioners concerned to convene, at short notice, an ad hoc high level meeting to address these issues. Illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings by sea are matters of particular concern, endangering the life of a large number of people in distress. Any action which may help to counter these phenomena should be given priority. The Council calls for a rapid implementation of the measures foreseen in the Comprehensive Plan to combat illegal immigration and trafficking of human beings in the European Union, adopted on 28 February 2002. In this context, the Council will examine the specific issue of illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings by sea at its meeting on 25 and 26 April 2002. The Council invites the Committee of the Permanent Representatives to address urgently these issues and examine all possible measures which may be taken and enforced".