Latest update: 03/09/2010
Brussels: French ministers defend decision to deport foreigners
France has stepped up plans to deport foreigners caught in breach of the peace, especially those aggressively begging or stealing. The measures have provoked international criticism but France’s Immigration Minister Eric Besson was in Brussels on Tuesday to defend the country’s decision. Members of the government are also divided over this issue - Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said he had considered resigning in protest.