The head of Italian diplomacy, Antonio Tajani, on Monday praised French “solidarity” on the migrant issue and criticized Germany, which is accused of funding non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that help migrants in his country.
‘We must tackle the problems together that are European’declared Tajani when he was received in Paris by his French counterpart Catherine Colonna.
“Italy especially appreciated Macron’s statements on cooperation in the field of immigration”congratulated himself during a joint press conference with Colonna.
French President Emmanuel Macron last week urged the “duty of European solidarity” confronted with Rome, confronted with the mass arrival of migrants.
Arrivals in Italy via ships from North Africa have increased, with more than 130,000 migrants registered so far in 2023, compared to 70,000 in the same period last year.
“As for Germany, I will be in Berlin on Thursday”It is ‘I am waiting for an explanation from the German government’Tajani continued.
These statements follow a letter sent by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday, in which she deplored German funding of organizations that provide assistance to irregular migrants in her country.
Tajini and Colona emphasized the need for a “European” response to the migration issue.
“We need more cooperation from countries of origin and countries of transit, making commitments and fulfilling them with our help”Colonna further stated.
After the arrival of 8,500 people on the small island of Lampedusa in just three days in early September, Rome asked the European Union (EU) to help ease the pressure.
Tajani also welcomed the EU’s deal with Tunisia, a country widely criticized for its treatment of migrants.
“It’s not about fighting migrants, it’s about fighting criminals who exploit the desperation of these people”he argued.
Source: DN
