The Catholic Church on Friday
slammed the final declaration that emerged from Thursday's
emergency EU summit on the migrant crisis, saying it fell short
and contained proposals that could endanger lives.
The summit was called after 700 people lost their lives
when their unseaworthy boat capsized off Libya on April 19.
"We are not satisfied with this accord," said Cardinal
Antonio Maria Veglio', who presides the Pontifical Council on
Migrants.
Increasing funding for the EU's Triton patrol and rescue
operation is "something" but "won't solve the problem".
"What's needed is a long-term program and a serious
migration policy," the cardinal said.
He went on to call Britain's refusal to host rescued
migrants "very egotistical".
"Everyone is ready to give money, as long as (migrants)
don't come disturb them in their countries," he said. "This is
not a solution".
The cardinal also rejected in no uncertain terms, the
proposed taking out of people traffickers' boats via "surgical
operations" in north Africa.
"Bombing a country is an act of war," the cardinal said.
"Who can guarantee that the weapons won't also kill nearby
people? You can destroy all the boats, but the problem of
migrants fleeing wars, persecutions and misery will still
exist," he said.
"Bombing the boats is useless," the cardinal said.
"Desperate people will keep finding new ways to flee...they will
make more boats, or flee on land".
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