国际英语新闻：France, Romania target close cooperation on Roma issue

PARIS, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- France and Romania vowed on Wednesday to forge a united action to stop illegal Roma flows to Paris and help them to integrate in both countries.

Brice Hortefeux, French interior minister, Eric Besson, immigration minister and Pierre Lellouche, secretary of state charged of European affairs met with Romanian Secretary of State of the Public Order and Safety Department Dan Valentin Fatuloiu and Secretary of State of social integration of Roma Valentin Mocanu to point fingers on Roma sensitive repatriation issue and outline the adequate ways to ensure their integration.

"French ministers reiterated authorities' willingness, aware of the economic and social situation of Roma in Europe, to develop a strong partnership with Romania to promote in this country a policy of integration of this population,"French officials said in a joint statement. "The French government is ready to examine all opportunities to support efforts of the Romanian authorities to facilitate concerned people's access to the appropriate European funds,"they added.

The French government expelled 79 illegal Roma migrant last week to Bucharest. The figure is set to rise to 700 at the end of this month despite rising angry voices accusing French President Nicolas Sarkozy of feeding racism and creating more violence.

The French head of state ordered the evacuation of illegal camps to curb violence and restore security. More than 50 illegal camps were dismantled so far.

Repatriation decision was made in respect of law and under judge control, according to the report.

Officials from both countries stressed the need to cement ties to fight against human trafficking and illegal migration by increasing the number of Romanian police officers posted in France and intensifying security cooperation.

Besson and Lellouche will fly to Bucharest in September to boost further cooperation and find alternatives to Roma integration.