Premier Matteo Renzi warned on his
way in to a European Union migration summit Thursday that any
immigration accord with Turkey will set a precedent.
"We agree on reaching the accord with Turkey, but let us be
very clear - it will set a precedent," he said.
"The rules that will apply to Turkey will have to apply to
the other countries we expect (migration) flows to be coming
from".
Italy's "objective is to reach an immigration accord with
Turkey, but starting from our values and our ideals". Any such
deal with Ankara must be "based on European principles", he
added.
"For a long time, Italy stood alone in requesting a
European approach to immigration. Finally the issue has been
recognized as one that needs to be faced by everyone," Renzi
went on.
He added that "the real challenge is investing at the root
of the problem, going to Africa, making Africa central".
"Africa is a priority for this government and for Italy - may it
be so for Europe as well."
"To those who say we must help migrants in their home
countries, I answer that Italy is on it," Renzi said.
The Italian premier added that while it is important to
reach a deal with Turkey, aid Greece and keep Cyprus' concerns
in mind, the real challenge is to go to the root of the problem.
"(We need to) go to Africa, increase aid, create development
opportunities there within the framework of an overall political
strategy," he said.
In related news, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she
shared the "cautious optimism" of European Council President
Donald Tusk that leaders can reach a common position on a deal
with Turkey on migrants and refugees.
"The talks will be difficult but...I am cautiously
optimistic that we can find a common position," Merkel said. "We
must find a shared solution first of all among EU countries".
Earlier this month, the EU reached a preliminary deal
whereby Turkey would take back one Syrian illegal immigrant for
every legitimate asylum seeker that it allows into Europe.
However, critics have expressed concerns about human rights
guarantees, among other things.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
