Moroccan press lashes out at EU proposal over illegal immigrants transit camps

Moroccan newspapers criticized Monday the idea proposed by some parties in the European Union (EU) to create centers for illegal immigrants in Maghreban countries.

The papers accused the parties who made the proposal of wanting to "rid themselves" of this problem at the expense of southern Mediterranean countries.

"So far, it is still an idea, and not an EU policy" because it faced opposition of some countries in the Union, noted "L'Economiste" newspaper. The daily said such centers are unpractical, calling for the fight of this "very bad idea."

Another newspaper "Al Bayane" commented that some European chiefs, who should rather ponder the "deep reasons" behind this phenomenon, are trying to build an impassable wall between the two banks of the Mediterranean."

"Instead of wasting its time drawing scary scenarios on camps surrounded by barbed wire to shut illegal immigrants up in the shores of the Mediterranean (É), the European Union should rather elaborate a cooperation plan for Africa's development," wrote "Al Bayane."

On Monday, Spanish secretary of state for international cooperation, Leire Pajin, said the stance of countries concerned by this proposal is "fundamental."

Speaking at a press briefing in Rabat, Pajin said her country has the same doubts that were expressed when the proposal was made during an informal meeting of European interior ministers last Friday in Scheveningen (Netherlands).

This idea, she pointed out, is not an "official proposal," therefore no "official answer" is to be given by EU-member States concerning this question.