Rapid reaction unit to tackle illegal immigrants on Canary Islands

By Judith Crosbie

Date: 24/05/06

The EU is to send a rapid reaction unit to assist Spain in dealing with illegal immigrants on the Canary Islands. Eight member states will contribute to the unit which will involve naval vessels, reconnaissance aircraft and personnel.

Reception centres are to be set up in Mauritius and Senegal to provide healthcare and shelter to people repatriated from the Canaries.

The rapid reaction unit will be deployed from the Canaries as far as Cape Verde off the west African coast and will be extended to Gambia and Guinea next year.

The Commission agreed to send a team from Frontex, the EU's border control agency, which would assess the situation on the islands. On 30 May Frontex will discuss sending first aid teams to the area after which the rapid reaction unit would follow.

Article reports that the EU was planning to send a rapid reaction unit to assist Spain in dealing with illegal immigrants on the Canary Islands. Eight member states were to contribute to the unit which was to involve naval vessels, reconnaissance aircraft and personnel.