France to continue Roma repatriation, camps evacuation despite criticism

France will continue to send illegal Roma migrants to their native countries and dismantle their camps despite accusations of stigmatizing travelling communities and fuelling racism, Immigration Minster Eric Besson said on Monday.

"Romanians and Bulgarians returned to their country since July 28 numbered 979 with 151 of them were expelled. The majority of these departures were voluntary," said Besson.

"The evacuation of illegal camps will continue because it is legitimate and necessary," he told reporters in a joint press conference with Brice Hortefeux, Interior Minister.

Four flights carried hundred of Roma flew to Bucharest since the launch of the security campaign since July 28. Two others flights are scheduled in September 14 and 20, according to the minister.

The French government expelled 79 illegal Roma migrants to Bucharest after dismantling 128 illegal camps as part of Sarkozy campaign to fight crimes and delinquency.

It aims to repatriate 700 Romanian at the end of this month despite rising angry voices accusing Sarkozy of feeding racism and creating more violence.

15,000 Roma are living in France with more than 8,000 were repatriated voluntary to their courtiers so far this year.

Source: Xinhua