ROME: Italy's new Prime Minister, Lamberto Dini, claimed yesterday

that his ''government of experts'' could achieve its four-point

programme of reforms within a few months and then resign to make way for

early elections.

His remarks were a clear olive branch to the ''Freedom Alliance''

coalition of his predecessor Silvio Berlusconi, whose backing in

parliamentary confidence votes next week will be vital to the chances of

the Government surviving.

Berlusconi, ousted from office last month, insisted again yesterday

that support for Dini would come only in return for a firm commitment

that early elections would be held in June.

After his first Cabinet meeting, Dini said only President Scalfaro

could set an election date: but he added that his Cabinet of

professionals from outside Parliament would need only ''a few months''

to carry out its reforms before handing back its mandate. He added that

his Government did not believe it could replace political

parties.--Reuter.