Brussels, 04/10/2006 (Agence Europe) - In a letter addressed to the Finnish presidency before the European Union's Justice and Home Affairs meeting on Thursday and Friday, Amnesty International (AI) expressed its concern about the EU's decision to grant financial support to Libya to tackle the problem of illegal immigration. The Commissioner in charge of immigration, Franco Frattini, announced at the end of September that aid of €3 million would be granted to the Libyan authorities to fight against the massive influx of illegal immigrants to the south of the country. This aid could even be more, “closer to €4 million”, indicated Commissioner Frattini's spokesperson, Friso Roscam-Abbing, to EUROPE. This aid is expected to go towards buying all-weather vehicles and surveillance materials. The Director of AI's EU Office Dick Oosting explained, “Commissioner Frattini stated that it is not about the money but about the political message the EU is sending to Libya. This is precisely what we are worried about”. He added that “The EU is in fact signalling that in exchange for collaboration, it is ready to close its eyes. It is again an example of how the EU's rhetoric of seeking balanced solutions is not matched by its actions”. According to Oosting, Libya is known for its serious violations of human rights committed there. Neither has it signed up to the Geneva Refugee Convention, he explained, adding that the UNHCR has little scope to operate there. AI is also concerned by the blatant lack of information about people being prevented entry to Member States or sent to third countries where certain sources have reported violence and even deaths. Mr Oosting deplored the fact that “With so much emphasis in turning people back no-one seems to be keeping track of what happens to those returned”. He is appealing for the implementation of an EU monitoring system in order to prevent human rights abuses. AI has therefore launched an appeal to the Justice and Home Affairs Committee to ensure that respect for human rights is a preliminary condition to any kind of cooperation with countries of immigrants' transit or origin. (bc)