Italy: PM defends diversion of refugee boats back to Libya
May 19, 2009
L'AQUILA, Italy (Reuters) - Italy's holding centres for immigrants are like 'concentration camps', Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said on Tuesday, adding it was more humane to send migrant boats back to Libya than let them enter Italy.
Berlusconi's government has drawn strong criticism from the United Nations and human rights groups for its new policy of diverting migrants intercepted at sea back to Libya.
'I think it is much easier ... to examine individual situations in the country of origin, otherwise they come here and go to a camp which, I should not be saying this, is very similar to a concentration camp,' Berlusconi told reporters.
Reuters
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Italy: PM defends diversion of refugee boats back to Libya
May 19, 2009
L'AQUILA, Italy (Reuters) - Italy's holding centres for immigrants are like 'concentration camps', Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said on Tuesday, adding it was more humane to send migrant boats back to Libya than let them enter Italy. Berlusconi's government has...
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Italy: Gov't, U.N. refugee agency spar over immigration policy
May 18, 2009
(ANSA) - Rome, May 18 - The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR on Monday rebuffed an Italian minister's attack against its representatives in Italy, calling his remarks unacceptable and unmotivated. ''Unmotivated personal attacks are unacceptable and will not swerve the...
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Italy: President warns against growing xenophobia
May 15, 2009
President Giorgio Napolitano warned Thursday that intolerance and xenophobia posed a danger for Italy as the lower house of Parliament approved wide-ranging security legislation that includes measures toughening Italian immigration policies. Speaking at a conference in Rome, Mr. Napolitano warned...
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Italy: MPs vote to fine illegals, jail those who harbor them
May 15, 2009
Italian MPs have voted to fine 'illegal' immigrants up to 10,000 euros (£8,977) and jail people who house them. The legislation, which was approved on Wednesday by 316 ballots to 258 in the lower house of parliament, also lengthens the...
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Italy: Foreign Min. says asylum seekers can apply before arrival
May 15, 2009
Illegal immigrants could apply for asylum in Europe from their consulates in North African transit countries or their initial requests could be handled by the captains of patrol vessels that intercept people smuggling boats in the Mediterranean, according to Italy's...
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Canada: Program helps foreign nurses adjust to culture
May 19, 2009
Dharen Brar spent three years earning a diploma to become a registered nurse in India and worked in the intensive care unit of a hospital there before moving to Calgary in 2003. She knew there would be language barriers to...
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Canada: Gov't moves to aid refugee relatives of Tamil-Canadians
May 19, 2009
Some Tamil-Canadians say the military war in Sri Lanka might be over, but protests in Toronto will continue to show support for humanitarian aid and human rights for Tamils there. 'Now more than ever, Tamil Canadians need to hear from...
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Canada: Immigration probes background of pilot who crashed in B.C.
May 19, 2009
VICTORIA - The American pilot of a small plane that crashed Monday night near French Beach will be questioned by the Canada Border Services after weapons were found on the Piper-Comanche aircraft. The man, 64, emerged from the crash with...
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Canada: Border concerns to be discussed during U.S. DHS chief's visit
May 19, 2009
WASHINGTON - U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is planning to make her first visit to Canada next week amid lingering concerns in Ottawa over statements that raised questions about her understanding of security issues along America's northern border. While...
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U.K.: Fugitive gets 33 years in brutal slaying of Chinese couple
May 19, 2009
A restaurant worker who lived on the run from immigration authorities was jailed for life today for the murder of a young Chinese couple who let slip details of their secret and highly lucrative betting scam. Cao Guang Hui, 31,...
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