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November 22, 2002



Berlusconi Becomes Foreign Minister of Italy

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi became Italy's interim foreign minister on Sunday to limit the fallout from the resignation of his most internationally respected and pro-European minister.

Renato Ruggiero, a former head of the World Trade Organisation, quit in frustration late on Saturday after a government row sparked off by the birth of the euro currency.

Berlusconi's decision to fill the position himself showed his desire to stamp his authority on a fractious cabinet -- and will concentrate more power in the hands of a man who also controls Italy's biggest media empire.

He was sworn in during a meeting with President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, the president's office said.

"This interim period might last for a long time. We are talking about weeks or maybe even months," a source in the prime minister's office said, adding Berlusconi would reassure allies that Italy was committed to European integration, "Italy remains a loyal member of the European Union".

Ruggiero was infuriated last week when a trio of fellow ministers belittled the euro launch, saying their comments revealed cabinet divisions over whether Italy should adopt a more eurosceptic position within the European Union.

(China Daily January 7, 2002)

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