GENEVA, Dec  15, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Swiss police Friday said they found 14
migrants, presumed to be Syrians, in the back of a French-registered van
following a lengthy chase.
       The vehicle had sped away from police controls in northern Italy and at the
Swiss exit of the Gotthard Road Tunnel, where the Uri cantonal police had sent
up a roadblock.
       The driver ignored calls to stop and "was driving at excess speed and
violating traffic laws", the police said in a statement.  
       Several police cars pursued the van, which was finally stopped some 30
kilometres (around 18 miles) from the tunnel's exit at the town of Fluelen, on
Lake Lucerne.  
       Switzerland is a major transit point for migrants crossing Europe or trying
to reach the UK.
       In late October, France and Switzerland said they would work more closely
to limit illegal immigration.
       A declaration of intention pledges to improve exchange of information,
reinforce cooperation between their police forces and better coordinate efforts
to send undocumented migrants back to their home countries.
       The declaration was symbolically signed at the Moillesulaz border post by
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and Swiss Justice Minister Elisabeth
Baume-Schneider.