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France to close migrant 'jungle' France to close migrant 'jungle'
(20 minutes later)
France has said it intends to close the camp in Calais known as "the jungle", where migrants gather to try to reach the UK.France has said it intends to close the camp in Calais known as "the jungle", where migrants gather to try to reach the UK.
Immigration Minister Eric Besson told French television that the illegal gathering of tents and shelters should close imminently.Immigration Minister Eric Besson told French television that the illegal gathering of tents and shelters should close imminently.
The jungle has replaced official camps like Sangatte as a gathering point.The jungle has replaced official camps like Sangatte as a gathering point.
Mr Besson said the closure would send a strong message that people traffickers could no longer use Calais.Mr Besson said the closure would send a strong message that people traffickers could no longer use Calais.
'Humane operation''Humane operation'
Mr Besson is due to hold talks on the issue with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on Thursday.Mr Besson is due to hold talks on the issue with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on Thursday.
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Desperate lives of Calais migrants - first broadcast in March 2009Desperate lives of Calais migrants - first broadcast in March 2009
He said it would be the local Calais authorities who would set the exact date for clearing the makeshift camps near the port but added that in any case it would be closed before the end of next week.He said it would be the local Calais authorities who would set the exact date for clearing the makeshift camps near the port but added that in any case it would be closed before the end of next week.
Making human beings illegal creates human trafficking Mark, Newcastle, UK Your commentsMaking human beings illegal creates human trafficking Mark, Newcastle, UK Your comments
Some 1,500 migrants are now living in insanitary settlements in Calais and neighbouring areas, hoping to cross to Britain.Some 1,500 migrants are now living in insanitary settlements in Calais and neighbouring areas, hoping to cross to Britain.
The minister promised that the operation would be carried out humanely and that each illegal immigrant would be offered the chance to apply for asylum or to return voluntarily to their country of origin.The minister promised that the operation would be carried out humanely and that each illegal immigrant would be offered the chance to apply for asylum or to return voluntarily to their country of origin.
Many of the migrants come from Iraq and Afghanistan.Many of the migrants come from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The minister insisted they would not be forcibly returned.The minister insisted they would not be forcibly returned.