French ministerial circular targets Roma encampments (contrary to Sarkozy's public statements)

[pampango]

Source: Agence France Presse

A French ministry document on clearing illegal camps, a copy of which was obtained by AFP on Friday, explicitly targets the Roma community contrary to the official government assurances.

The interior ministry circular, directed at the governors of the French regions and intended for internal use only, says that 300 illegal camps have to cleared within three months "the priority, those of the Roma."

The circular, dated August 5, appears to contradict a statement issued Thursday by Immigration Minister Eric Besson that France is not targeting the Roma. "France is not engaged in any collective expulsion," he added.

But the preamble to the interior ministry circular recalls the targets set by President Nicolas Sarkozy and repeatedly singles out the Roma. "Three hundred illegal camps or sites must be evacuated in three months, in priority those of the Roma," it says.

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h8EBROUV14bXPK3RbtEAcuG5QVPA

[uppityperson]

1. gee, what not a big surprise. Thanks for posting