European governments clashed yesterday over how to deal with an exodus from north Africa, as Germany and France warned they would close their borders to migrants who have poured into Italy.

Italian Interior Minister Roberto Maroni emerged angry from a meeting with EU counterparts after he urged them to help his country cope with an influx of migrants that has not subsided since revolutions erupted in north Africa.

“We asked for solidarity, but we were told to sort it out on our own,' Mr Maroni said. 'I am wondering if there is still any point to being part of the European Union.'

'We will keep doing what we're doing on our own. Better be alone than in bad company,' he said.

Rome sparked a diplomatic row last week when it announced it would grant six-month residency permits to thousands of migrants, most of them Tunisians, which would allow themto travel freely in Europe's border-free Schengen.

In response, France tightened the control of documents at the border with Italy, while Germany and Austria warned they could follow suit.

French Interior Minister Claude Gueant said border officers would ensure that all papers are in order. Otherwise, “France has the right to make Italy take back those who don't meet (the conditions)”, he said.

Meanwhile, two boats carrying 226 migrants arrived on Italy’s shores yesterday, coast guard officials said, bringing their numbers to 1,500 on the island of Lampedusa.