German president urges European governments to adopt more humane policy

Germany president Juachim Gauck called, in the wake of death of hundreds of asylum seekers off Italian coasts, on European governments Friday to adopt "more humane policy" regarding immigration and asylum. Gauck, in a statement marking the 23rd anniversary of unification of Germany, said the "protection of immigrants and listening to their demands are major elements in our democratic systems and values." He said asylum seekers need "our protection. Turning a blind eye on troubles they face and leave them to die in the middle of the sea is a violation of our European values." A boast carrying hundreds of African immigrants had left from the Libyan city of Misrata, but many of them drowned off Lampedusa, Italy.