Brussels, 11/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - Maltese MEPs of the EPP-ED Group, Simon Busuttil and David Casa, welcomed the Commission's new proposals on immigration. “The Commission's proposals are another step in the right direction. They contain measures that can tackle, in the short-term, the urgent problems faced by the southern Member States”, they had said when Commissioner Franco Frattini presented the immigration packaged end November.
“The EU badly needs a common immigration policy based on the principle of solidarity between all the EU Member States. (…) Southern Member States could no longer be left alone”, Mr Busuttil said, commenting on certain proposals made, mainly the setting up of a permanent coastguard service coordinated by the Frontex agency, and the sending of national experts to assist with the identification of migrants. “These measures alone will not solve the issue of illegal immigration. But they are essential in sending a message to citizens and traffickers that the EU is not just standing by helplessly”, Mr Casa added. They called on the Heads of State of EU Member Sates who will be meeting in Brussels next week, to show determination in adopting such measures.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres also welcomed the above proposals which, he says, would provide an answer to “migration crisis situations”. He welcomed the fact that the Commission recognises asylum as an essential part of EU strategies on the management of migration and borders. “Fortifying borders alone is not the answer to Europe's migration challenges”, Mr Gutteres said, pointing out that: “Effective migration management must also include safeguards for the many people in need of international protection who arrive at EU borders”. He confirmed his resolve to take part in the development of ideas presented within the framework of the European Commission's communication, including the concept of “asylum expert teams” to help the EU States to face up to migratory pressure.
Europe is saying to Africans “if you want to come and work, study or join your family, we are willing to talk. But if you are fleeing for your life, the door will stay closed”, deplored Bjarte Vandvik, General Secretary of ECRE (European Council on Refugees and Exiles). The most important thing, he concluded, is “to ensure people fleeing for their lives have access to seek asylum in Europe”. (bc)