Italy refuses US aircraft use of Sicily base for Middle East operations, source says

ROME, March 31 (Reuters) - Italy has denied permission for U.S. military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily before flying to the Middle East, a source close to the matter said on Tuesday, confirming a newspaper report.

* Daily Corriere della Sera reported "some U.S. bombers" hadbeen due to land at the base in eastern Sicily before heading tothe Middle East. It did not say when they had been due to land. * The source, who was not authorised to speak to media anddeclined to be identified, also did not specify how manyaircraft were involved or when Rome declined to give permission. * Corriere della Sera added that permission was not grantedas the U.S. had not sought authorisation and Italy's militaryleadership was not consulted, as required under treatiesgoverning the use of U.S. military installations in the country. * The Italian defence ministry had no immediate comment. * Centre-left opposition parties have urged the governmentto block the U.S. use of bases in Italy to avoid involvement inthe conflict. * Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government hassaid it would seek parliamentary authorisation should any suchrequests be made.

(Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Giulia Segreti and Edwina Gibbs)