20110404
reuters

TUNIS (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi discussed in Tunisia on Monday how to repatriate thousands of Tunisian migrants, pledging to do so in "a civil manner" as more boats from North Africa reached southern Italy.



Berlusconi met Tunisian Prime Minister Beji Caid Sebsi to talk through a migrant crisis that has turned into a political headache for the Italian leader.

"There is a very strong desire from both sides to find ways for Tunisia to monitor its coast," Berlusconi told a news conference.

More than 20,000 illegal immigrants, mainly from Tunisia, have poured into the tiny island of Lampedusa in fishing boats and other small craft since the overthrow of former Tunisian President Zine al-Abedine Ben Ali in January loosened tight frontier checks that blocked the way into Europe.

"We will have to look at finding a solution for repatriations. We want it to be done in a civil manner," Berlusconi said.

He said an Italian technical commission would stay in Tunisia to work with local officials and that Italy would help monitor Tunisian coasts.

Italian ships transferred thousands of migrants to camps on Sicily and the mainland over the weekend, but more than 800 others have reached the overwhelmed island since Sunday evening.

As migrants have moved on, problems have sprung up elsewhere in Italy, with hundreds escaping from camps, and the government facing growing criticism over its response.