No answer from Italy on hotspots says EC (2)

(ANSA) - Brussels, May 16 - The European Commission said Tuesday Italy has yet to answer its two letters on hotspots for asylum seeker processing and identification. Migration and Home Affairs Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos wrote a letter to Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni and Interior Minister Angelo Alfano. Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs chief Matthias Ruete wrote to Italy's national police chief Franco Gabrielli and to interior ministry immigration department chief Mario Morcone last Friday, a spokesperson told ANSA.
    Avramopoulos said in his letter earlier this months that Italy needed to set up more hotspots in Sicily for asylum seekers as they arrive.
    "It's fundamentally important that Italy intensify efforts to provide the necessary reception conditions and prevent escapes," he wrote.
    "While recognizing Italy's major effort to address the situation, I observe that many landings take place away from hotspots and the planned mobile groups are not yet operative.
    It is important to set up supplementary hotspots in Sicily, Avramopoulos said in his letter.