Austria: Sarkozy says immigration OK, 'but not clandestine immigration'

VIENNA: French President Nicolas Sarkozy says Europe needs immigrants, but he insists their entry must be regulated and there's no place for ``clandestine immigration.''

Sarkozy visited Austria on Friday as part of a tour of European capitals ahead of France's EU presidency, which begins on July 1.

The French president told reporters after meeting with Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer that the 27-nation bloc needs immigration _ but not ``clandestine immigration''. Sarkozy said he doesn't see it in terms of protectionism, but merely the EU's need to control the flow of people.

The two leaders said they also discussed rising energy prices and climate change.