Prodi: Italy, France must consider Iranian issue

The cooperation between Italy and France must grow to include the "Iranian problem," Italian Premier Romano Prodi said Friday following a meeting with French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin. Prodi said both men felt the Iranian issue was "one of the greatest challenges in our future." Italy is Iran's biggest trading partner in Europe, with a strong presence in its energy market through oil and gas giant Eni SpA. Villepin said Italy's contacts and knowledge about Iran could be useful.