News In Brief

Mediterranean lands discuss fostering regional cooperation

Representatives from more than 30 countries began a seminar here Tuesday on Mediterranean cooperation, under the auspices of the European Security Conference.

Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Andreotti addressed the opening session of the seminar, which is being held at ambassadorial or senior civil servant level. Some Arab governments stayed away because Israel was invited.

The seminar will cover a range of subjects from telecommunications to transport, and from ecology and fishing to research on diseases. It is not expected to discuss security or East-West political issues.