Italy declares nationwide state of emergency over illegal immigration

Italy declared a nationwide state of emergency Friday over the arrival of immigrants as Silvio Berlusconi's right-wing government pushes forward with its crackdown on illegal immigration. Parliament said that the state of emergency, which gives police and local authorities additional powers to tackle the influx, was extended to the entire country to combat the "persistent and exceptional" arrival of illegal immigrants. It did not give further details. The state of emergency was earlier in effect only for the southern provinces of Sicily, Puglia and Calabria. Italy's long shoreline and proximity to Africa make it a popular destination and entry point into Europe for thousands of Africans who make hazardous journeys in flimsy boats each year. The move by Berlusconi's government, which won an April election promising a hard line... [read full story]