[International] Italy-Spain Immigration Dispute Continues, Both Countries Extend Reciprocal Border Controls for 15 Days
RtiTalk 小編21d ago
According to Reuters, Italy announced today (31st) that it will suspend the open border arrangement with Spain for another 15 days, extending the restrictive measures implemented a month ago due to a large influx of immigrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
Previously, the Italian right-wing government claimed that suspending the European Union (EU) Schengen visa-free travel arrangement was to ensure that immigrants entering Ceuta could not go to Italy. This suspension was originally scheduled to expire today.
The Italian Ministry of Interior stated in a statement that the decision to extend the suspension period was "made... due to the continued existence of the factors that led to the re-implementation of these measures on August 1st."
Agence France-Presse reported that the Spanish Ministry of Interior subsequently announced the extension of reciprocal measures for 15 days. Since August 8th, the Spanish Ministry of Interior has implemented border checks for travelers from Italy for one month.
Italy and Spain do not share a land border, but travelers arriving by plane are currently subject to passport checks, which is usually not required as both countries are members of the Schengen free travel area.
According to Reuters, Spanish authorities stated that since at least 72,000 immigrants crossed from neighboring Morocco on July 30th, about 5,000 to 8,000 people remain in Ceuta.
At least 82 immigrants were found dead on the Spanish side of the border, and Morocco confirmed another 14 deaths.
The Italian Ministry of Interior stated that Italy understands that "Spain has taken measures with the EU to help the situation in the region return to normal in the near future."
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who takes a tough stance on illegal immigration, is facing pressure from the newly formed far-right party "Futuro Nazionale" (FN). The party's rhetoric has resonated with some voters ahead of next year's general election.
The center-left opposition criticized the decision to reinstate border checks, calling it unnecessary as there were no signs that immigrants from Ceuta would go to Italy, and that it would damage relations between Italy and Spain. (Editor: Liu Xianghua)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=229338
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