Brussels, 05/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 4 December, MEP Martine Roure (PES, France) generally welcomed the proposals put forward the day before by the European Commission with a view to strengthening the rights of those applying for asylum in Europe (EUROPE 9795 and 9796). “The package of measures will allow greater harmonisation of hosting conditions in Europe and the respect of rights to be ensured”, she states in a press release. She points out that review of current directives will be done in codecision with the European Parliament. Ms Roure was also pleased with the proposals aimed at in-depth review of Dublin II to ensure that asylum seekers have effective access to asylum procedures. “The Commission's proposals to strengthen asylum seekers' rights and the possibility of freezing any transfer to a country that is facing a massive inflow of asylum seekers are a step in the right direction”, the MEP said. She finally welcomed the Commission's proposals on the principle of non detention of asylum seekers and the ban on the detention of minors. (B.C./transl.jl)