Italy and Malta ask EU to bear burden of illegal immigration

Two countries determined to keep immigration high on EU agenda

Italy’s Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and the Prime Minister of Malta Lawrence Gonz have asked the European Union (EU) to assume the responsibility of handling illegal immigration.

The two leaders made the appeal in a joint press conference in Rome.

Mr. Berlusconi praised Italy’s agreement with Libya to fight illegal immigration saying that it should be used as a model for similar agreements with other African countries.

Mr. Gonzi said that it was unacceptable for the EU to let a few countries bear the burden of handling illegal immigration. It is a European problem, he said.

Italy and Malta should continue to keep immigration high on the EU’s agenda, Mr. Gonzi said.