(see related)
Regional Affairs Minister Roberto
Calderoli said Friday that the big increase in the number of
migrants arriving in Italy from North Africa was being
deliberately orchestrated.
"I don't know if it's an act of war, but what we're facing, with
127,000 immigrants entering (the country) since the beginning of
the year, is an invasion," Calderoli said.
"A peaceful invasion, but an invasion nonetheless.
"The fact that Austria is strengthening border controls at the
Brenner Pass, as France does the same thing at Menton, and that
our neighboring states are sealing our borders makes me fear
that this surge in arrivals is not an extemporaneous phenomenon
but, unfortunately, a structural one because it is organized,
with an orchestrator behind it".
He added that "in the absence of any response from Europe",
Italy will have to address the problem "alone".
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