NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE The International Maritime Organisation has responded to the Celtic League enquiry about European Union statements that its member States would ?scale down? their Search and Rescue operations aimed at targeting migrants from Africa who attempt the perilous crossing of the Mediterranean Sea, often in unsuitable and unsafe craft. The EU position had been criticised by both migrant welfare groups and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Migrants Rights, Francois Crepeau. See link here: (voir le site) ?5th December 2005 Dear Mr Moffatt. On behalf of the Secretary-General, I am writing in response to your letter dated 3rd of December to inform you that this Organisation does not make comments on alleged European Union positions on Search and rescue in the Mediterranean Sea. You may wish to note all the European Coastal States of the Mediterranean Sea are Contracting governments to the SAR Convention. A Window Assistant Secretary General Director Maritime Safety Division? The (albeit) brief reply from Assistant SG Winbow makes it clear all Coastal States of the Mediterranean Sea have to meet their rights under the SAR Convention. The Celtic League has thanked the IMO for the speedy response to our query. J B Moffatt (Mr) Director of Information 07/12/14 (Please note that replies to correspondence received by the League and posted on CL News are usually scanned hard copies. Obviously every effort is made to ensure the scanning process is accurate but sometimes errors do occur.) ISSUED BY THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE. The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues Internet site at: (voir le site) (voir le site)