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From The Times
July 26, 2008

Italy calls state of emergency over influx of immigrants

Richard Owen in Rome

Italy declared a “national state of emergency” over illegal immigration yesterday — and was promptly accused of causing unnecessary alarm with xenophobic rhetoric.

A Cabinet statement said that the Government had to confront a “persistent and exceptional influx” of non-EU citizens and it had approved a proposal from Roberto Maroni, the Interior Minister, to declare a state of emergency “throughout the national territory”.

Mario Morcone, a senior official at the Interior Ministry, said that the decision had been prompted by the continuing arrival of illegal immigrants in ramshackle boats run by people-smugglers at the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa, just off the North African coast. Many such boats capsize and their passengers drown.

Mr Morcone said that 9,342 immigrants had arrived between the start of the year and the end of June — double the figure for the previous year — and there were at present more than 1,000 at the overcrowded refugee camp in Lampedusa. Some are repatriated but many are sent to immigrant camps on the Italian mainland.

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The centre-left Opposition demanded an explanation for the state of emergency being declared, saying that it would cause “confusion and alarm”.

Silvio Berlusconi, the Prime Minister, won final parliamentary approval this week for a security package under which illegal immigrants convicted of crimes will face jail sentences a third longer than those for Italians.

This is the last step of a programm that wants to create fear and heat aginst the other who is not allineated. If we re-consider the 90s balkan war we would understant what it is happening: the making of a cultural fight made for hiding a criminal plan.
To understand, look at the communication.

Francesca Benvenuto, Pordenone, Italy

Many silly comments here! Italy has a fragile economy that is entering recession and simply cannot cope with this constant tide of immigrants. They are also tired of dragging bodies from the sea. This fascist sterotyping is so out of date that its boring to listen to!

Matt, Naples, Italy

If Europe thinks that it can cope with a constant influx of people then get them all in. After all, there are only 1 billion Chinese who want to come here. I am sure that Milan can squeeze them in?

Sara, Campania, Italy

Long live Silvio

Stefano, Bologna, Italy

Well Done!

atrer, Aher,

This problem is destabilising the country and needs to be urgently addressed. Europe cannot keep closing an eye to this grave problem.

Teresa, Kent, UK

Italy cannot accept such an increasing influx of illegal immigrants without a prompt reaction and reasonable people have therefore to agree with Minister Maroni's attitude. It would seem that reasonable people are not typical among the confused opposition's supporters.

Roberto Castellano, Salsomaggiore, Italy

By the way, if Peter from Vancouver, Canada, wants Berlusconi and his "spine" , he can have both!!!
Viva l'Italia!!!

Andrea, Palermo, Italy

Well done Mr Berlusconi, You are the only European leader with a spine. Bravo.

Peter, Vancouver. BC., Canada

ìItaly calls state of emergency over influx of immigrants....'

err,,, technically, the state of emergency over influx of immigrants has been declared five times since 2002 (two times with Prodi) to avoid bureaucracy... therefore, I can only say... who cares?

Pietro, Rome, Italy

And the Loonie Left still thinks that if they encourage chaos in the Western Democracies, that they will be there to pick up the pieces. Delusional!!!

Pat, Powell River,

Nice to see the Italians at least are trying to do something about it!

John, Salford, England

Berlusconi has learned from his friends, Bush and Blair.
One more step toward dictatorship. All these Head of State are not interested anymore in governing, but dominating. Add to the list, Sarkosy and Putin.
Is it the end of democracy and civil liberties?

Lauren, London, Uk

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