Mediterranean EU countries voice opposition to "unilateral action" on migration crisis

Mediterranean EU states are opposed to unilateral actions by member states on the migration crisis, Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said after a meeting of the Med Group on Friday.

The Med Group is an unofficial group bringing together all EU Mediterranean countries: Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Greece and Cyprus.

"We all share the view that unilateral actions cannot be a solution to the crisis. A comprehensive approached must be sought on the European Union level," Kasoulides said after Friday's meeting in the southern city of Limassol.

He added that ministers of the seven countries had "a good discussion" about the immigration issue and established a joint approach, noting Mediterranean EU countries were in the front line of the crisis.

"This issue is testing our unity and ability to handle it and at the same time respecting the basic EU principles and international law," said Kasoulides.

He deplored moves by EU countries to put quotas on accepting immigrants, saying decisions made by the European Union must not be applied selectively.

When asked what the Mediterranean EU countries can do to convince their EU partners to prevent unilateral action, he replied the issue was bound to test European solidarity.

"We'll wait to see how decisions which have been reached collectively will be applied. It they are applied in totality, it will not wrong any country" said Kasoulides.

He also said that the ministers had a comprehensive exchange of views on the situation in Syria and Lebanon and about increasing violence in Libya, adding they voiced concern that instability in these counties feeds terrorism.

Kasoulides said the Med Group ministers called for EU support to Lebanon and Jordan to help them face the migration crisis and preserve stability in the region. Endit