France blocks Italian trains carrying migrants

[Gerald]

Authorities in France temporarily blocked trains from Italy in an attempt to stop north African migrants from entering the country.

Trains were stopped at the border for hours - prompting Italy to launch an official complaint with France. Services were later resumed.

Italy has angered France by giving temporary resident permits to thousands of Tunisian migrants.The permits allow them to travel freely in many European countries.

The Italian foreign ministry said the French move was "illegitimate and in clear violation of general European principles".

Schengen infringement?

Speaking earlier on Sunday, Maurizio Furia, a spokesman for the Italian rail company, said that trains were not being allowed to pass into Menton, France, from the Italian border station of Ventimiglia.

The BBC's Hugh Schofield says a demonstration in support of the Tunisian immigrants had been planned, in which some 300 protesters had planned to ride what they dubbed "the train of dignity".

Because of the closure, the demonstration was unable to take place.

France has said migrants have to prove they can support themselves financially and has set up patrols on the Italian border.

But Italy says that France's actions are not in line with the EU's Schengen passport-free travel zone.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13109631


Note: 17 April 2011 Last updated at 20:13 GMT