EU LEADERS CALL FOR MEASURES OVER SURGE OF MIGRANTS INTO CEUTA

ROME, AUGUST 1 /SRNA/ – A majority of European Union leaders have expressed serious concern in a letter to the European Commission over the mass influx of migrants into the Spanish North African territory of Ceuta and called on the bloc to take measures to protect its external border.

The letter, published by the Italian government, was signed by 22 of the EU's 27 member states, the DPA news agency reported.

"We cannot allow uncontrolled mass crossings, the instrumentalisation of migration, or other hybrid threats to create the perception that illegal entry into the European Union is possible or that the illegal entry of migrants can eventually result in legal residence," the letter states.

The EU leaders added that such a perception would encourage further attempts, undermine confidence in the bloc's common migration policy, and have consequences for all member states.

Around 50,000 migrants had crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, a territory with a population of about 85,000, by Friday.

At least 67 people have died while attempting to reach Ceuta.