AFP
EU to strengthen Frontex agency
The EU wants give more powers to its border control agency Frontex to fight illegal immigration, outgoing EU justice commissioner Jacques Barrot said yesterday.
"We are revising Frontex's framework. We have launched consultations to provide more means to Frontex so that is is more effective and can better organise repatriation flights," he told a news conference at a meeting of EU interior ministers in Toledo.
Mr Barrot was reacting to a joint letter sent by France and Greece to Spain, the holder of the rotating presidency of the EU, calling for beefed up powers for Frontex.
It urged closer collaboration between Frontex, countries of origin and transit countries as well as regular charter return flights paid for by Frontex.
The letter was signed by Greek Citizens Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoides and French Immigration Minister Eric Besson.
Operational since October 2005, Frontex has been tasked with patrolling 42,000 kilometres of the EU's sea borders and 8,800 kilometres of land frontier.
Based in Warsaw, it has gradually increased its powers since it was set up. In 2007 Frontex launched its own network of sea patrols.
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sean grima
Jan 22nd 2010, 19:10
if you have a problem with gonzi and the PN you are free not to vote. perhaps you may wish to vote for norman lowell! all your 'arguments' are based on sweeping, generalized statements and prejudice.
louise vella
Jan 22nd 2010, 12:31
2.
Those who think Malta should have a welcome-to-all policy should read a statement made yesterday by Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister and reported by ANSA
Israele: clandestini sono una minaccia
Netanyahu, crea danni economici e culturali
21 gennaio, 21:21
(ANSA) - GERUSALEMME, 21 GEN - L'immigrazione illegale minaccia il carattere ebraico e democratico dello stato israeliano, afferma il premier Netanyahu.'Siamo quasi l'unico stato del Primo Mondo che puo' essere raggiunto a piedi dal Terzo Mondo.La presenza di migliaia di immigrati illegali 'sta causando danni socio-economici e culturali'. Netanyahu conferma l'intenzione del governo di costruire una 'barriera fisica' con l' Egitto per impedire un' inondazione di clandestini.
louise vella
Jan 22nd 2010, 12:30
1.
Frontex needs to be not just ‘beefed up’ but strengthened considerably to protect the EU’s frontiers or borders.
A nation without borders is an open invitation to all kinds of foreigners to invade and trespass. A government that cannot defend its country’s borders is just an administration unworthy of its citizens. GonziPN, a weak government if there ever was one, has allowed an unholy alliance of do-gooders and NGOs to bully it into a welcoming posture for all kinds of immigrants coming illegally by boat, without money, without documents and without rights.
The least GonziPN can do is to support the efforts of Greece and France to give teeth to Frontex, the EU agency for border control. People like UNHCR’s Gutteres can be told that Malta’s and Europe’s interests come before the interests of immigrants.