http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/05/world/africa/05tunisia.html?ref=europe
The prime minister of Italy, Silvio Berlusconi, flew to Tunis to discuss the recent migration of North African immigrants onto the Italian island of Lampedusa. According to Mr. Berlusconi, the Tunisian government has agreed to monitor the Tunisian coast with the help of Italian land and resources. Both governments are in deliberation over the issue of sending back thousands of immigrants. For the past few weeks, Mr. Berlusconi's anti-immigrant Northern League party has been campaigning to deport immigrants back to Tunis. He stated that he plans to proceed with the expulsion of immigrants in a "civil manner," and that he will also discuss the issue with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Since 1998, Italy and Tunis have collaborated to control migration. In 2009, the countries enforced such migration laws as Italy gave motorboats and logistical support to help Tunisia manage its coast. The recent political unrest in North Africa interrupted controls as flocks of immigrants crossed the sea to Europe. Many of these Tunisians had also immigrated from Libya. In March, Tunisia instituted a new government, and Mr. Berlusconi displayed concern over whether the new government would uphold such agreements.
-Ipek Hacioglu
(Ryan @ 11 am)
It seems like Italy has a tough decision on how they are going to handle the immigration, and it seems like with all that they have invested in the past, they aren't too happy that more people are coming from the unstable region of Northern Africa. I wonder what kind of means they will use if they wish to export all of the immigrants, and my guess is they will have to more heavily patrol their southern waters if they wish to continue denying entrance for immigrants.
ReplyDeleteJohn Lovejoy
2pm Friday Ryan
I read recently that Germany as well as France wants Italy to be tougher on illegal immigrants who are not refugees and make sure they are sent back Tunisia without being allowed temporary access to the Schengen visa-free area of western Europe. Germany wants to consider reinforcing controls on the border that were abolished in 1995 and France agrees, even though Italy wants to give them temporary
ReplyDeletewaivers to stay in mainland camps. How Europe handles this will probably show how united Europe really is.
Harleen Singh
(Ryan 1-1:50pm Fridays)