Brussels, 22/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - Czech Interior Minister Ivan Langer said on Wednesday 21 January that Frontex, the European agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the EU, was not the best solution for combating illegal immigration in the central Mediterranean region. “The results of Frontex are not convincing”, stressed Mr Langer, whose country holds EU Presidency. “Rather than know what boats and aircraft are being provided for Frontex, it would be better to give financing and technical support to our southern colleagues”, he added, explaining that the Italians, Greeks, Cypriots and Maltese know best what they need as these countries are familiar with the region concerned. It is only when such needs have been defined that European support will be welcome, the minister went on. In his view: “Better to put our common money to support the mission forces of these countries”. Comparing the situation with that existing in the Canary Islands, Mr Langer admitted he was “sceptical” about Frontex's ability to resolve the situation in the Mediterranean. “The example set by Spain is exactly the kind of response needed for the problem”, he said, judging for example that the solution found between Spain and Senegal was a success. The Spanish government managed to sign with Senegal and with several other Western African countries agreements allowing patrols by the Guardia Civil as well as forces of other countries to intervene in the exclusive economic areas of the signatory states to prevent the departure of boats carrying migrants. Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Malta recently drew up a joint request to the European Union in favour of concrete action against illegal immigration (EUROPE 9820). The European Commission should be able to give its response during the meeting of home ministers scheduled for 26 February in Brussels. (B.C./transl.jl)