Italian Premier confers with Sharon

Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema and Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini met on Tuesday with Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon, who is currently visiting Italy. Israel Radio said Sharon discussed with Italian officials latest developments concerning the Middle East peace process, the Balkan crisis and bilateral relations, Israel radio reported.

Israel Radio reported Italian officials' desire to take part in a joint project between Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian authority to desalinize sea water.