Navy Deal to Fight Illegal Migration

Spain, Italy and France are planning to launch joint navy patrols in the Mediterranean to fight illegal immigration, drug-trafficking and terrorism.

Initial agreement came during a meeting between Spain's socialist prime minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, and Silvio Berlusconi, Italy's premier. The two men are expected to sign a deal with France in January to create what Mr Zapatero has called "a Schengen of the sea".

While the Schengen area of 15 European Union states has no frontier controls for travellers, the new deal will be all about keeping a strict watch over borders. "The immigration phenomenon, in the short term, the medium term and the long term, is the biggest question facing all the countries of the EU," said Mr Zapatero.

Thousands of African migrants risk their lives in rickety boats each year to reach the beaches of Spain and Italy as they seek a better life in Europe.

So far this year Spanish lifeboats have rescued 5,700 migrants, while Italy has seen a 50% rise in the number of African migrants crossing to its shores.

The European Commission announced plans last month to create a joint Mediterranean security force to clamp down on illegal immigration from Africa.

Mr Berlusconi has called on the EU to insist in its treaties with African and other countries that they accept repatriation of illegal immigrants.