Romania doesn’t want suspects sent back from Italy

BUCHAREST, Romania: Romania’s foreign minister says his country does not want citizens suspected of committing crimes in Italy to be repatriated.

Cristian Diaconescu said Romania would accept the repatriation of Romanians who have been convicted of crimes, but not suspects.

Anti-Romanian sentiment in Italy has escalated after recent attacks by Romanians on Italians.

Diaconescu will travel to Italy on Monday, where he will discuss the issue with Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini. Diaconescu told foreign journalists Friday there are 33 Romanians convicted of crimes awaiting repatriation from Italy.

He estimates there are 1 million Romanians living and working in Italy.