Romanian Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu said Monday that he will soon meet his Italian counterpart Silvio Berlusconi to discuss Italy's disputed immigration policies.
Tariceanu said that through constructive dialogue, the European common interest and the principle of free transit will not be affected by isolated cases of crimes committed by some immigrants.
"I hope that dialogue on this issue will be lucrative," said Tariceanu, without specifying the date for such a meeting.
Analysts have raised concerns over strained diplomatic ties between Italy and Romania, which joined the European Union in 2007, due to controversial immigration policies by the Italian government.
The Italian government has tightened its immigration policies in the wake of some serious crimes committed by immigrants, including a Romanian who allegedly beat to death the wife of an Italian naval commander on the outskirts of Rome.
The Italian government has made it easier for local authorities to expel EU citizens considered dangerous. But some observers say the move was mainly targeted at the 560,000 Romanians living in Italy.
It has also required an obligatory minimal income for the EU citizens living in Italy and tightened restrictions for the reunification of immigrants' families.
These policies have come under strong fire from human rights activists and politicians in some countries, especially in Romania.
Bilateral relations between Romania and Italy and the attitude toward Romanians in Italy must not be endangered by isolated cases, said Tariceanu.
The prime minister highlighted the valuable contribution made by Romanian workers to the economic development of Italian cities and regions they live in.
He also noted the 23,000 Italian companies are operating in Romania and have created jobs for Romanians and boosted Romania's economic growth.
The Romanian authorities said last week that they will make a detailed assessment of the conformity of Italy's immigration measures with the European norms and will inform the European Council in case of an disagreement.
Source:Xinhua
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