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Latvian PM says against new compulsory asylum mechanisms in EU

Xinhua, April 13, 2016 Adjust font size:

Latvia can not back any new mechanisms for migrants' compulsory distribution across EU member states, Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis told reporters Tuesday.

Speaking to the media following a government meeting, the Latvian prime minister said that a new mechanism for asylum seekers' relocation is being agreed in Brussels and that work is also under way to protests the new asylum rules.

The European Parliament on Tuesday passed a resolution supporting the creation of a centralized asylum system intended to help Europe better handle the growing migrant flow. Signe Znotina-Znota, the European Parliament's press secretary in Latvia, indicated that the resolution urges to give migrants an opportunity to apply for asylum in the EU legally and safely, without seeking traffickers' services and risking their lives in perilous journeys.

Kucinskis reaffirmed Latvia's commitment to taking in the agreed number of asylum seekers who are to be relocated from migrant-flooded countries like Greece and Italy, but warned that Latvia will definitely oppose new compulsory relocation requirements.

The prime minister said he is determined to defend Latvia's position in talks with leaders of other EU countries. Enditem