Italian demonstrations for fighting terrorism, rejections of wars

Around three million Italians from various political parties, state and opposition trade unions demonstrated in the northern city of Florence on Wednesday demanding peace in the world and calling for fighting terrorism and the rejection of violence and wars.

The marchers carried banners of peace, and stressed there was need for building bridges of peace and communication and to discard all forms of violence for the Middle East and the world.

Many demonstrators denounced Israel's policy, calling for an end to the building of the so-called "security fence" in the West Bank.

Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said Europe was "close to Israel" against "all forms of terrorism." Frattini described his talks with Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon, who is on a visit to Rome, as frank, fruitful, and part of a balanced role played by his country, as EU President.

For his part, Sharon alleged that Israel was willing to reach peace and implement the Road Map to reach an agreement with then Palestinians.