European leaders try to resolve differences over migrant admissions
The leaders of Germany, France and a number of other European Union countries discussed their differences on the issue of migration at an emergency meeting in Brussels.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is facing a domestic political crisis over the issue of migration in her country, called on European Union leaders to adopt a unified approach to managing the flood of migrants and refugees into Europe during a meeting on Sunday, July 23.
But French President Emmanuel Macron said his country does not need lessons from any country on the issue of migration.
"France is not taking lessons from anyone on this issue," he said. "We were the second largest host country for refugees. It is in this spirit that I want to propose, with other colleagues who are willing to take responsibility, a solution that respects our history and our rights and allows us to move forward."
The main disagreement is over which country should be responsible for the arrival of migrants, how long it should be required to provide services to migrants, and how to help EU member states such as Italy and Greece, which are the main entry points for some migrants and asylum seekers.
Mr Macron met with the Spanish Prime Minister in Paris on Saturday. The two leaders stressed the need to increase the number of detention centres for migrants and asylum seekers.
Spain had previously said it would accept the Aquarius charity ship carrying refugees, which Italy had prevented from docking in Malta, into its port.
Italy's new government says other EU countries should shoulder more of the burden of accepting migrants from North Africa.
Source: Voice of America
