Italy to seek Brussels' view on controversial immigration law

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

ROME (AFP) — The Italian government, criticised by Brussels for its immigration policy, on Friday sought the opinion of the European Commission on the wording of new legislation on refugees and immigration.

It was an "informal" step before the final adoption of a number of measures, taking into account the "rather delicate nature of the subject," Interior Minister Roberto Maroni told journalists.

Maroni said the Italian government had "excellent cooperation" with Jacques Barrot, the European Commissioner for Justice.

"This process appears to be proof of a willingness to respect European legislation, which we appreciate," said Barrot in a statement later Friday.

"We are now going to examine with the utmost care the documents that have been transmitted...