Albanians Seeking Asylum in Italy Are Sent Homeward
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ROME — The Italian government Sunday sent home more than 400 Albanian asylum-seekers.
The Albanians were put aboard the ferries Buona Speranza and Sansovino in the Adriatic ports of Ravenna and Ancona.
The ferries, under escort by an Italian warship until reaching international waters, were due in the Albanian port of Durres.
Italy is still trying to absorb more than 20,000 Albanians who reached southern Italian ports in March in search of a better life. Most are still in campgrounds and hotels. Only a few have found jobs or been granted political asylum.
The latest wave crossed the Adriatic on a fleet of more than 50 flimsy fishing boats. They were picked up by freighters and ferry boats and were kept aboard ship until transferred Saturday night onto the two ferries.
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