Anti-dhimmitude from the Italian Prime Minister. From AP, with thanks to Marisol Seibold, who comments: “There’s a fair amount that’s not being said in this article with respect to who would like to set up camp in Italy (i.e., waging jihad by migration to infidel lands), and what dangers that would entail — including the establishment of a home base for terrorism within that country, and all the crime and legal wrangling that has afflicted other European countries in recent years. Near the end of the article, it is mentioned in passing that significant numbers of immigrants from North Africa land in Italy on a regular basis. But that mention comes long after what is apparently the central point, that Berlusconi is against both the enshrined notion of multiculturalism and a “multiethnic” demographic shift. Then surely he hates rainbows and puppies, too.”
ROME – Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said he does not want Italy to become a multiethnic, multicultural country, drawing plaudits from a right-wing ally and criticism from center-left opponents….
“We don’t want Italy to become a multiethnic, multicultural country. We are proud of our traditions,” Berlusconi said Monday on state-run radio.
Berlusconi’s government has put in place a tough immigration policy, including legislation cracking down on illegal immigration. The 2002 law allows only immigrants with job contracts to obtain residency permit.
“We want to open (our borders) to foreigners who flee countries where their lives or liberties are at risk,” said Berlusconi, adding those who come to Italy to work also are welcome. “We don’t want to welcome all those who come here to bring about damage and danger to Italian citizens.”
Thousands of illegal immigrants come to Italy every year, mostly crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa on rickety boats. The latest group of more than 200 landed Monday on Lampedusa, a tiny island off Sicily.
Most immigrants, if they elude police, move on to other European countries.
The Northern League, a right-wing anti-immigrant party, welcomed Berlusconi’s remarks.
“Here’s the Berlusconi we want,” said Roberto Calderoli, a Northern League leader who was forced to quit as reforms minister last month after he wore a T-shirt on state TV decorated with caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad. “Our values, our identity, our history, our traditions” must be defended against immigration, the Italian news agency ANSA quoted him as saying….