'Palestinian' men land in Italy

The new arrivals were being questioned about their identity

Authorities have been questioning more than 100 asylum-seekers who landed on the south Italian island of Lampedusa by boat in the early hours of Saturday.

It is not known where they started their journey but the 114 undocumented men claimed to be Palestinians when interviewed by police.

Italy has long sought action to stem illegal sea crossings from Libya, where much of the traffic begins.

Its prime minister is already due to make a visit Tripoli on Wednesday.

Silvio Berlusconi is under increasing pressure to reduce the problem, correspondents say.

He is expected to seek Libyan co-operation in patrolling the Mediterranean when he meets the Libyan leader, Col Muammar Gaddafi.