Hunger-strikers provide EU leaders with example of immigration problem

Associated Press ^ | 6-22-02 | DANIEL WOOLLS

[Oldeconomybuyer]

SEVILLE, Spain (AP) -- A dramatic example of Europe's immigration woes greeted European Union leaders meeting to discuss how to deal with the influx of foreigners.

Some 460 would-be immigrants who have been staging a sit-in at a university outside Seville since June 10 held a two-day hunger strike to press their demands for work and residency papers.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

A would-be immigrant who did not wish to give his name prays alongside sleeping comrades in a sports hall in Seville, Spain's Pablo de Olavide University Friday, June 21, 2002. An estimated 400 would-be immigrants began a sit-in at the university June 10, demanding the government help them get work permits and residency in Spain. A European Union summit is taking place in Seville June 21-22 in which EU leaders are expected to debate illegal immigration. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito) - Jun 21 7:30 AM ET

	Students march through Seville demanding a better public education, during an anti-globalization protest, June 21, 2002. Security is tight in Seville as scores of protestors are converging on the city, which is holding an EU summit. Two car bombs were set off on Spain's mediterranean coast by suspected basque separatists, timed to coincide with the summit. REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo - Jun 21 12:50 AM ET
	Antiglobalization activists carry crosses to protest against the sale of genetically-modified food, in Seville June 21, 2002. Security is tight in Seville as scores of protestors are converging on the city which is holding an EU summit. Posters on crosses read "R.I.P. healthy food," "R.I.P. climate" and "R.I.P. environment." REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo - Jun 21 12:44 AM ET
	A pair of antiglobalization activists kiss next to a Spanish riot policeman during a protest in Seville June 21, 2002. Security is tight in Seville as scores of protestors are converging on the city which is holding an EU summit. Two car bombs were set off on Spain's mediterranean coast by suspected basque separatists timed to coincide with the summit. REUTERS/Dani Cardona - Jun 20 11:48 PM ET