Madrid  - The Spanish government Thursday maintained its criticism of Italy's new immigration policy, expressing concern that making illegal immigration a crime could divert migrants heading for Italy to neighbouring countries.

Spain "respected" Italy's decision, European Affairs Secretary of State Diego Lopez Garrido said after meeting Italy's European Affairs Minister Andrea Ronchi in Madrid.

But Spain felt that Italy's new policy did not contribute to a common European policy, Lopez Garrido added, saying Italy should have discussed its plans with its European partners.

Considering an undocumented immigrant a criminal was neither "proportionate" nor the "best way" to solve problems, the official explained.

Ronchi, however, denied that the Italian policy was in contradiction with that of the European Union. "The EU must understand" that Italy had acted in a "situation of emergency," the minister said.

Italy only had room for people who respect its "culture, religion and rules of coexistence," Ronchi explained, but denied that Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's government protected racist behaviour. (dpa)