Deal reached over Tunisia exodus

Deal reached over Tunisia exodus

North African nation to get radars, boats and other forms of assistance from Italy to counter illegal immigration.

Last Modified: 15 Feb 2011 15:36 GMT

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Tunisia and Italy have agreed to work together to counter illegal immigration after thousands of migrants arrived on the tiny island of Lampedusa earlier this week.

According to Tap, Tunisia's official news agency, an agreement between Italy's foreign minister and Tunisia's interim prime minister was made late on Monday night.

Under the deal, Italy will give Tunisia practical aid including a "network of radars and fast boats that will be operated by Tunisians", the agency quoted Franco Frattini, the Italian minister, as saying.

Frontex, the European Union's border agency, also said on Tuesday it would help Italian authorities deal with the influx, providing up to 50 personnel, vessels and aircraft.

The agreement follows a diplomatic row between the two countries sparked when an Italian minister suggested sending police to Tunisia to stem the flow of refugees.

Tunisia accused Rome of infringing on its sovereignty.

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