Gaddafi confers with Italian foreign minister

Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi on Tuesday night with Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini, currently visiting Libya. The Italian minister described his meeting with Gaddafi as very useful. He said that they discussed relations between the two countries, the situation in the Mediterranean region and the question of Kosovo.

The Italian minister added that he congratulated the Libyan leader over reaching a solution to the Lockerbie incident and the suspension of the sanctions imposed on Libya. He asserted Italy's readiness and desire to develop and strengthen its relations with Libya in all fields.

He said that his country wanted to be the first initiator to end the siege imposed on Libya and to allow it to join the Mediterranean basin bloc, beginning in the Stuttgart conference this month.

The Barcelona process began in 1995 with the participation of 15 European countries and 12 Arab Mediterranean states.

During their 90 minute meeting, Gaddafi confirmed his country's readiness to dedicate its efforts to stabilizing the Mediterranean region and to enhancing cooperation between Italy and Libya, especially as Italy stood beside Libya in its crisis.

Meanwhile, Libya agreed with Italy on boosting and activating the plan for investment through the Italian - Libyan Bank.