Tunisia migrants prompt Italy 'humanitarian emergency'

[Gerald]

Many migrants have headed to the Italian island of Lampedusa
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The Italian government has declared a humanitarian emergency after nearly 3,000 migrants arrived in the country in the last few days.

Officials say most of the migrants are from Tunisia, which has seen continued turmoil since the 14 January overthrow of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.

The declaration frees up funds and personnel to deal with the influx.

Most of the migrants have been trying to reach Italy in small boats and have been intercepted by the coast guard.

Italian officials said nearly 3,000 migrants had arrived on the island of Lampedusa in the last three days, swamping facilities there. The island is closer to North Africa than the mainland of Italy.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12441613


Note: 12 February 2011 Last updated at 21:47 GMT

[bookworm_020]

Maybe Berlusconi can invite them to his villa for one of his "Bunga Bunga" parties? He seems to let anyone in there!

[Gerald]

Maybe Berlusconi can invite them to his villa for one of his "Bunga Bunga" parties? He seems to let anyone in there! There you have a safe home, party, girls, etc, they will not feel alone...

[Gerald]

Italian authorities are struggling to cope with a crisis on the tiny island of Lampedusa after thousands of migrants arrived from Tunisia.

A holding centre designed for 850 people is reported to be overflowing.

Tunisia is refusing to let Italy deploy police on its territory.

More than 4,000 migrants are reported to have arrived on Lampedusa in the past few days. EU foreign policy chief Baroness Ashton is now in Tunis to discuss the issue.

Italy's Foreign Minister Franco Frattini is also expected in Tunis later on Monday.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12446555

Note: Update Record,14 February 2011 Last updated at 11:52 GMT

[Freiwillige]

Italy needs to invade, finish the job for Mussolini. :|\\

[Jimbuna]

Maybe Berlusconi can invite them to his villa for one of his "Bunga Bunga" parties? He seems to let anyone in there!

Girls only on the invite list.....no time for women of a legal age :DL

[Gerald]

The Italian government has formally requested aid from the European Union to help it cope with thousands of Tunisians arriving on its shores.

Some 5,000 migrants have landed on the island of Lampedusa in recent days, following Tunisia's January uprising.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports say at least five migrants died and others are missing after their boat sank.

Witnesses quoted by the AFP news agency said the boat had been rammed by a Tunisian coastguard ship.

Italy's interior minister said the country was seeking some 100m euros ($134m; £84m) from the EU to tackle the influx.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12460906

Note: Update Record,15 February 2011 Last updated at 07:44 GMT

[STEED]

The news on the radio said Italy was angry and wants them out.

[Gerald]

The news on the radio said Italy was angry and wants them out. Perhaps Mr. David Cameron can turn out and give a hands-on advice :stare:

[Skybird]

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/2072/42453189.jpg (http://img842.imageshack.us/i/42453189.jpg/)

"Like '89! Freedom of travel at last!"

:D

From: Der Tagesspiegel

[Jimbuna]

The Italian government has formally requested aid from the European Union to help it cope with thousands of Tunisians arriving on its shores.

Some 5,000 migrants have landed on the island of Lampedusa in recent days, following Tunisia's January uprising.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports say at least five migrants died and others are missing after their boat sank.

Witnesses quoted by the AFP news agency said the boat had been rammed by a Tunisian coastguard ship.

Italy's interior minister said the country was seeking some 100m euros ($134m; £84m) from the EU to tackle the influx.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12460906

Note: Update Record,15 February 2011 Last updated at 07:44 GMT

Latest update from Reuters