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Europe's Dilemma: Accommodating Iraqi Refugees

Editorial, Der Spiegel | June 25, 2008

Violence in Iraq has driven over 2 million refugees abroad, especially to Europe. ++ Several EU countries believe their current immigration policy is too lax and that responsibility is unevenly distributed. ++ Taking over the next European Council Presidency, Sarkozy is planning on proposing an “immigration pact” that would make borders more impermeable. ++ Germany’s CDU party is pushing through legislation that would only grant Iraqi Christians asylum. ++ Regardless of their method, the EU is under pressure to take decisive action.

 

 
 
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ilyas m mohsin

Mon, Jun 30th 2008, 08:34

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This appears to be the best way to alienate people who are suffering because of a civil war imposed on them by the hoax of WMD etc. With Iraq destroyed under US/EU 'occupation', now you can't even take 'refugees' which would be violation of UN Charter. By such peculiar reaction to a catastrophe heaped on the hapless people, you may help the 'extremists' in a big way.
 
ilyas m mohsin

Thu, Jul 3rd 2008, 16:02

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few seem moved by the topic despite its inherent significance.
The following report from BBC of July2 may be an eye-opener for the eliete/ the people in EU:-
" Page last updated at 00:05 GMT, Wednesday, 2 July 2008 01:05 UK
E-mail this to a friend Printable version

Mercosur condemns EU migrant law

The leaders signed a joint declaration against the EU rules
South American heads of state have ended a regional summit with a fierce attack on EU immigration policies.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez told the Mercosur meeting in Argentina that Europe had "legalised barbarism".

The EU laws, due to come into force in 2010, could see illegal immigrants held for up to 18 months and face a five-year ban on re-entry if expelled.

The summit also voiced concerns about rising global food prices.

But it was the EU rules passed last month that truly united the South American leaders in anger at the gathering in the northern city of Tucuman, says the BBC's Daniel Schweimler in Argentina.

'Outrageous'

In a joint declaration, they rejected "every effort to criminalise irregular migration and the adoption of restrictive immigration policies, in particular against the most vulnerable sectors of society, women and children".

The statement also noted "the necessity to fight against racism, discrimination, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance".

It was signed by the seven presidents of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela, and ministers from associate Mercosur members Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

MERCOSUR MEMBERS
Full members: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay
Full member pending ratification: Venezuela
Associate members: Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru


Profile: Mercosur

Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa called the EU measures "shameful".

Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva branded it "outrageous, ignominious".

Bolivian leader Evo Morales said the measures did nothing to combat racism.

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner said the law was inadmissible.

Uruguay's leader Tabare Vazquez said: "Nobody emigrates for fun, they do it out of necessity."

There are hundreds of thousands of South Americans working in EU countries, many of them illegally.

Under the new rules, an illegal immigrant can be detained for a maximum of six months. This period is extendable by a further 12 months under certain conditions if, for example, the immigrant fails to co-operate with the authorities.

The other main issue discussed at the summit was the high price of food.

Brazil's president urged more food production, while Bolivia's leader criticised groups that speculate over food prices.

"They must understand that eating is a human right," said Mr Morales".

 

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