Europe fears 300,000 refugees from Libya
Almaty. February 24. Kazakhstan Today - European states fear that up to 300,000 Libyans could try to reach their countries as a result of the chaos in the North African country, Kazakhstan Today reports.
Franco Frattini, the foreign minister, said Italy was bracing for an exodus 10 times bigger than the number of Albanians who fled to Italy in the 1990s when the Balkan nation descended into anarchy, The Telegraph reported.
"We know what to expect when the Libyan national system falls - a wave of 200,000 to 300,000 immigrants," Mr Frattini said.
He said about a third of Libya's population, or 2.5 million people, are immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa who could flee if the popular revolt topples the government of Muammar Gaddafi.
Those living in the eastern part of Libya might try to reach Greece, rather than Italy, because it is closer, he said.
Umberto Bossi, a minister in the government of Silvio Berlusconi and the leader of the Northern League party, threatened to dump the problem on other European countries.
"If they arrive we'll send them to France and Germany," he said.
The number of refugees and economic migrants reaching Italian islands like Lampedusa, which lies close to the coast of Tunisia, fell sharply after Silvio Berlusconi concluded a pact with Col. Gaddafi in 2008 under which the Libyan navy and coast guard intercepted boat loads of Africans.
But the UN's agency for refugees appealed to Italy not to block migrants who may flee from Libya.
Interior ministers from Italy, Cyprus, France, Greece, Malta and Spain met yesterday in Rome to ponder one inescapable fact: if a wind of protest is sweeping a region from Bahrain to the Maghreb, the hard rain it carries may well fall on Europe, The National informed.
When the Tunisian riots led not only to the fall of president Zine el Abidine Ben Ali but also to an exodus, it was to Europe and notably Italy to which the departing Tunisians fled. Alarmed, Italy offered to dispatch its own police officers, a proposition rejected as an affront to Tunisian sovereignty, and then came up with money and technical expertise, readily accepted.
Other southern European countries also fear fallout. France has ties with Tunisia, but also Morocco and especially Algeria. And the outbreak of serious protest in Morocco and simmering tension in Algeria leave France wary. Spain, too, has reason for concern.
All three countries, but particularly Italy and Spain, have pressing economic problems of their own. Public opinion demands more controls on immigration, not fewer.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
relevant news
Olzhas Bektenov meets with Chairman of XUAR People's Government of China Erkin Tuniyaz
An important direction of our interaction is the expansion of investment cooperation, supported by new joint industrial projects, including in the fields of petrochemicals and metallurgy," Olzhas Bektenov emphasised and noted the significant potential for diversification of trade relations.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Head of State sent a telegram of congratulations to the President-elect of Indonesia
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Cyprus set to open its embassy in Kazakhstan
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Olzhas Bektenov leaving note in condolence book at Russian Embassy in Astana
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has phone conversation with Vladimir Putin
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Olzhas Bektenov and EDB head Nikolai Podguzov discuss joint implementation of infrastructure projects
The bank's priority should be the financing of large infrastructure projects. We are ready to expand co-operation with the bank on mutually beneficial terms," Olzhas Bektenov said.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan trade and economic cooperation: Olzhas Bektenov pays working visit to Tashkent
The Presidents of the two countries have set a task to bring Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan co-operation to a qualitatively new level. We see a significant potential for increasing trade turnover and will make all necessary efforts to achieve high results of our interaction both in bilateral and multilateral formats," Olzhas Bektenov stressed.
The leaders of our countries have identified specific tasks on further expansion of multifaceted relations between the two countries. I express readiness to take all necessary measures to fulfil these tasks," Abdulla Aripov said.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
How EU carbon tax will affect Kazakhstan's industrial sector
Our producers have questions related to the new cross-border tax initiative. We support the EU’s goals for sustainable development and decarbonization, but these goals should not create obstacles to international trade", - said Nurlan Kulbatyrov.
The higher the hydrocarbon component in Kazakhstan’s exports, the higher the taxes and fees will be in importing countries. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an action plan for the modernization of technological production processes, to provide funds for their implementation, including budget funds", - said Ainur Amirbekova.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Most viewed
28.03.2024, 07:24GCC is Interested in Further Strengthening Cooperation with Kazakhstan 28.03.2024, 10:23 5841Asian region has good potential to continue stimulating global growth and development in upcoming years - Tokayev28.03.2024, 09:28 1581Military helicopters evacuate over 100 people from flood affected areas in Kazakhstan28.03.2024, 08:41 1121Rybakina draws level with world No 1 Iga Swiatek
23.03.2024, 20:39 27626Earth Hour 2024 returns by providing 60 minutes of global unity around the world, in support and celebration of the planet23.03.2024, 19:31 23096Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has phone conversation with Vladimir Putin23.03.2024, 17:34 22651President chairs extraordinary Security Council meeting25.03.2024, 11:16 15631Olzhas Bektenov leaving note in condolence book at Russian Embassy in Astana25.03.2024, 20:19 15401Head of State sent a telegram of congratulations to the President-elect of Indonesia
04.03.2024, 18:28 94871Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Geology: Memorandums of Understanding Signed During Kanat Sharlapayev's Visit28.02.2024, 18:03 94691Kazakhstan, Japan agree to resume direct flights29.02.2024, 13:01 90201Eight projects are planned to be launched in the manufacturing industry of the Kyzylorda region01.03.2024, 14:12 87991Kazakh diesel-electric locomotives began to be supplied to Mongolia04.03.2024, 14:47 87206President Tokayev participates in affirmation ceremony of AIFC Court Chief Justice