France to compensate Eurotunnel for migrant break-ins

   PARIS, April 9, 2008 – The French government is to pay Eurotunnel 24
million euros (38 million dollars) in compensation for break-ins by illegal
immigrants who used its rail link to cross from France and Britain, the
company said Tuesday.
   The Channel tunnel operator had claimed damages of 53 million euros from
France for delays caused by migrants based at a Red Cross centre in Sangatte
in northern France between 2000 to 2002.
   It also challenged bills from the British authorities for the cost of
detaining and returning illegal immigrants who arrived via the tunnel.
   A special arbitration court in The Hague ruled in favour of the company
last year.
   Eurotunnel chairman Jacques Gounon told a press conference the group had
reached a settlement with the French government for compensation of 24 million
euros, with an accord to be signed shortly.
   It also said Britain had agreed to the principle of a settlement, with
negotiations to begin soon.
   The Sangatte centre was closed in 2002.

AFP