Brussels, 28/11/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Internal Ministers Council finally approved, on Thursday, a plan for the return of Afghan refugees and the action plan for a European policy on the return of foreigners in an unlawful situation to their homeland, although the Commission has still not presented a report on Community funding of actions contained in this plan. The adoption of the plan for Afghanistan was approved but not that relating to the action plan, as several countries had told the Council that they refused to approve it if no financing indications were given (see EUROPE of 22 November, p.9). Although the Council criticised the lack of communication on financing, expected for October, the ministers gave their support to Commissioner Vitorino faced with internal divide within the Commission, Council sources say. Antonio Vitorino is preparing this document in collaboration with Commissioners Patten and Nielson, the latter being opposed to using allocations from the European Refugee Fund (EDF) for financing expulsions.
The return plan was proposed by the Presidency on the basis of the Commission's communication one month ago. It poses the principle of cooperation for voluntary return as well as for forced return. It gives a series of measures for operational cooperation that the Fifteen have pledged to approve in the short or long term, without clearer dates being given. The plan also proposes, in the medium term, reflection on harmonisation of procedures (EUROPE of 22 November, p.9, and 31 October, p.14).
The plan for the return of Afghan refugees provides for the coordination not only for contacts with Afghan authorities and international organisations but also for the organisation of joint flights , if necessary. EUR 17 million out of the 20 million should be taken for the years 2002 and 2003 from the Community budget to fund hosting arrangements on the ground. The rest will be borne by the Member States (EUROPE of 23 November, p.10). The programme should be implemented from April next, diplomats say. Member States may, after a certain time, expel Afghans who do not leave voluntarily. It is estimated that 100,000 Afghan refugees are in Europe. According to the UNHCR, however, which begun to interview asylum seekers in Sangatte, out of around 300 persons questioned, only 15% say they are Afghan, while 60% say they are Iraqi and 15% from Sudan. According to diplomatic sources, the departure of 1500 persons per month is foreseen.