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Danish PM hails Swedish abolishment of ID checks at borders

Xinhua, May 2, 2017 Adjust font size:

Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen said Tuesday that the decision by the Swedish government to abolish identity checks for travellers and commuters was a welcome change.

In a statement released by his office, Rasmussen, who is currently in China on an official visit, said the Swedish ID check had left the entire region of Oresund, between Sweden and Denmark, behind.

"The control has provided significant inconveniences for commuters and other travelers between Denmark and Sweden and has gone beyond the strong dynamics the region has had for decades. It has not been fun to witness," the prime minister said in the statement.

He called the Swedish government's decision to do away with ID verification "incredibly pleasing."

"It is a good day. Now, as a region, we can continue to grow and develop together unambiguously," he said.

Identity checks were implemented in January 2016 shortly after border controls were introduced by the Swedish government to prevent anyone without valid identification from entering the country in a bid to curb the influx of immigrants.

However, although it is abandoning the ID checks, the Swedish government announced on Tuesday that several measures would be taken to tighten border controls. Endit