EU clinches deal on return of illegal immigrants

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

STRASBOURG (AFP) — The European Union clinched an agreement Wednesday on new rules to govern the return of illegal immigrants to countries outside the EU, ending three years of wrangling over the issue.

The deal, aimed at harmonising the way third-country nationals are sent home so current legal differences between countries are not abused, was reached between the EU's main institutions at the European Parliament.

"The negotiations are a success," said Slovenian Interior Minister Dragutin Mate, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency until the end of June.

"We have found a compromise, it remains now to win majorities in the two institutions (the European Parliament and the Council representing the 27 EU nations)," he said, without providing any...