Rome - Italy could play a "decisive role" in improving relations between Israel and "moderate" Arab states, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Monday.

Lieberman made the remarks during a joint news conference with his Italian counterpart, Franco Frattini, in Rome.

"My first visit as Foreign Minister had to be to Italy," Lieberman said, explaining the decision was taken to show the Israeli government's appreciation for "Italy's positive and friendly attitude," towards the Jewish state.

The newly appointed foreign minister who has a reputation as a hardliner, has in the past expressed doubts that the Israeli- Palestinian conflict could be resolved through the creation of two, separate, sovereign states.

"Israel isn't looking for slogans, but for concrete results," Lieberman said replying to a question on the so-called "two-state solution" which is backed by the US and the European Union.

He then listed concessions made by previous Israeli government's that had yielded "no results," including former prime minister Ariel Sharon's decision to withdraw from the Gaza Strip.

"The (peace) process is standing still" Lieberman said.

"This government does not intend to produce slogans and pompous declarations but concrete results," he said referring to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition.

For his part, Frattini expressed Italy's "strong hope" that peace would remain the "clear objective" for both Palestinians and Israelis.

Peace must be achieved through the "immediate and concrete steps of development, security and stability," Frattini said.

Lieberman's arrival in Rome Monday marked his first stop-over of trip which is also scheduled to include talks with officials in France, Germany and the Czech Republic.

According to Israeli media the aim of the four-day trip, was for Lieberman to lay the groundwork for the presentation of the Netanyahu government's peace policies, which are still being formulated.

Lieberman would also attempt to block voices within the European Union calling for a freeze in upgrading Israel-EU ties unless progress is made in peace talks with the Palestinians, the reports said.

"Lieberman go home. Free Palestine," appeared on several banners festooned in parts of the Italian capital on Monday.

Leftist political parties said they would stage an evening sit-in to protest Israel's policies in the Palestinian Territories.

On Tuesday Lieberman is scheduled to meet Italian Prime Minster Silvio Berlusconi. (dpa)