RELATED:North African migrant crisis pressures BerlusconiThousands of illegal immigrants from North Africa have arrived in southern Italy since the beginning of the year, most of them aiming for the tiny island of Lampedusa, some 150 kilometers (95 miles) from the Tunisian coast.Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi discussed in Tunisia on Monday how to repatriate thousands of Tunisian migrants, pledging to do so in "a civil manner" as more boats from North Africa reached southern Italy.Berlusconi met Tunisian Prime Minister Beji Caid Sebsi to talk through a migrant crisis that has turned into a political headache for the Italian leader."There is a very strong desire from both sides to find ways for Tunisia to monitor its coast," Berlusconi told a news conference.More than 20,000 illegal immigrants, mainly from Tunisia, have poured into the tiny island of Lampedusa in fishing boats and other small craft since the overthrow of former Tunisian President Zine al-Abedine Ben Ali in January loosened tight frontier checks that blocked the way into Europe.
Migrant boat sinks off Italy, 150 missing
Thousands of illegal immigrants from North Africa arrive in southern Italy island only 150 km from Tunisia.
RELATED:North African migrant crisis pressures BerlusconiThousands of illegal immigrants from North Africa have arrived in southern Italy since the beginning of the year, most of them aiming for the tiny island of Lampedusa, some 150 kilometers (95 miles) from the Tunisian coast.Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi discussed in Tunisia on Monday how to repatriate thousands of Tunisian migrants, pledging to do so in "a civil manner" as more boats from North Africa reached southern Italy.Berlusconi met Tunisian Prime Minister Beji Caid Sebsi to talk through a migrant crisis that has turned into a political headache for the Italian leader."There is a very strong desire from both sides to find ways for Tunisia to monitor its coast," Berlusconi told a news conference.More than 20,000 illegal immigrants, mainly from Tunisia, have poured into the tiny island of Lampedusa in fishing boats and other small craft since the overthrow of former Tunisian President Zine al-Abedine Ben Ali in January loosened tight frontier checks that blocked the way into Europe.