Foreign Ministry Responds to News of Migrant Center in Armenia

The Armenian Foreign Ministry has stated that no proposal has been made to establish a detention center for illegal migrants from EU member countries in Armenia, nor has this issue been discussed with the Armenian side.

In an interview with Armenpress, Ani Badalyan, spokesperson for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, responded to circulating reports that Italy will present a proposal at the EU Council meeting scheduled for August 4 to establish detention centers for illegal migrants in several countries, including Armenia.

“We have not received such a proposal, nor has this matter been discussed with us,” Badalyan noted.

Euronews reported on August 3 that the Italian Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, will present the proposal to create detention facilities for illegal migrants in various countries at the upcoming EU Council meeting. Among the likely recipient countries are several African nations, with Uganda being one of the most probable options.

Italy proposes to establish a network of detention centers outside the European Union that would serve to manage illegal migration. According to the proposal, the new centers would be funded by EU resources.

Euronews also mentioned that Italy's proposal suggests creating such centers not only in several African countries but also in some other nations that are outside traditional migration routes. Potential candidate countries include Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Egypt, Uganda, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Montenegro.

Moreover, Euronews reported that a draft of Italy's proposal has been published in several Italian media outlets and has also been confirmed by Italian officials.