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| Britain |
| The Afghan boys groomed as Taliban suicide bombers to head to UK |
| 2009-09-22 |
| Two Afghan boys who were groomed by the Taliban to become suicide bombers revealed their determination to reach Britain today as they faced eviction from a notorious refugee camp in Calais. The 12-year-olds are among 2,000 migrants who spent the weekend praying and dancing as they waited for bulldozers to move in to clear the site dubbed The Jungle. Many of the migrants kicked out of the camp - an area full of refugees' improvised shelters - are now expected to launch desperate attempts to reach Britain. And today the extraordinary story emerged of how two young Afghans who were targeted by the Taliban to become weapons against British troops are hoping to try to sneak into the UK to start a better life after their temporary home is demolished. Fresh-faced Najib and Sajid - just 12 years old - were targeted by the Taliban because of their 'youthful glow'. Najib, who has two sisters and a brother, said: 'It was not safe in my country because the Taliban were always trying to kidnap me and give me training for suicide attacks. 'They tried so many times to kidnap me. Luckily I escaped." His cousin, who has a sister and three brothers - one of them living in London - said they were desperate to get to Britain.' He said: "My father wants me to reach the UK so I can get a good education and a better life. "In Afghanistan I cannot go out of my home because I am afraid of being kidnapped. 'If I get to the UK everything will be OK. I will be safe - and I will be alive.' The boys will be among the many hundreds expected to have to make their desperate bid for the UK tomorrow morning. Heavy duty riot police and soldiers are already mobilising at the French port amid fears the situation will get out of control as bulldozers move in to destroy the camp. Home Secretary Alan Johnson said today he was "delighted" about the impending closure of the camp. And he insisted that Britain has ruled out taking them in by saying that genuine refugees should apply for asylum in the country where they entered the EU. Those who are not escaping persecution should return home, he said. Speaking after talks in Brussels with his French counterpart Eric Besson, Mr Johnson said reports that Britain could be 'forced' to take illegal immigrants were 'wrong'. EU justice commissioner Jacques Barrot has demanded a change in European law to allow a 'significant number' to be fast-tracked into Britain, it was reported. Mr Johnson said'The UK has a robust system for dealing with both asylum seekers and immigration and provides protection to those who are genuinely in need. 'Reports that the UK will be forced to take illegal immigrants from the 'jungle' are wrong. 'Both countries are committed to helping individuals who are genuine refugees, who should apply for protection in the first safe country that they reach. 'We expect those who are not in need of protection to return home.' |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #1 Two Afghan boys who were groomed by the Taliban to become suicide bombers revealed their determination to reach Britain today/em> I'm sure Brits will be happy to receive them---there being a shortage of native born suicide boomers. |
| Posted by: g(r)omgoru 2009-09-22 01:14 |