Bolivia censures EU for backing forced repatriation of immigrants

[Judi Lynn]

Bolivia censures EU for backing forced repatriation of immigrants


www.chinaview.cn 2008-06-10 10:07:47 Print

LIMA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Bolivian President Evo Morales condemned Monday the "return directive" planned by the European Union (EU) to repatriate by force millions of immigrants, according to information reaching here from La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia.
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"If Europe repatriates Bolivians, Bolivia would request visas from European citizens and block the negotiations of a commercial agreement between the EU and the Andean Community of Nations (CAN)," Morales said.

The "return directive" is the "directive of shamefulness," Morales said and he urged the European authorities to respect the human rights of immigrants, especially those of Bolivians.

Morales said Bolivians sought better opportunities in Europe but did not compete with Europeans for work opportunities. Bolivians work in construction, services and hospitals, in jobs "that Europeans can't or don't want to do," contributing to the prosperity of Europe.

"Millions of Europeans came to North and South America without visas to exploit richness and transfer it back to Europe," he said," and Bolivians' money transfers to the EU have gone to over 10 percent of Bolivia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which have enhanced the development of Europe."

More:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-06/10/content_8337825.htm