Croatia, Italy and Slovenia to include West Balkans in network to combat illegal immigration

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Croatia said Tuesday that together with Italy and Slovenia, they are preparing to include the Western Balkan countries in their cooperation in the fight against illegal immigration.

"The interior ministers of the Western Balkan countries are invited to the next meeting in Slovenia. In this way, we can act more effectively against the migrant route in the Western Balkans. We would also like to hear their thoughts in the fight against illegal immigration,'' said Interior Minister Davor Boznovic after a meeting in the Croatian town of Buzet with his counterparts from Italy, Matteo Piantedosi, and Slovenia, Bostjan Poklukar.

Piantedosi said the tripartite format is an innovative initiative, creates a "model" of operational and strategic dialogue, and can also be a driving force for more effective cooperation with other countries in the region.

"It turned out that the route in question continues to be an attractive route not only for immigrants but also for people dangerous to national security who can infiltrate the criminal corridors currently used for other illegal activities,'' he said.

Piantedosi added that it is necessary to take appropriate measures for both the security of citizens and the fight against criminal networks on the Balkan route.

Poklukar said the current measures were taken in a way that would not cause any problems to the public.

Italy reinstated border controls at its shared border with Slovenia on Oct. 21.

Slovenia also reintroduced border controls with Croatia and Hungary on the same day.

Germany informed the European Union on Oct. 16 that temporary controls would be implemented at its land borders with Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland.