International - Globescan   

Italian President sworn in

ROME: Giorgio Napolitano was sworn in as Italian President on Monday to a 21-gun salute, paving the way for incoming Prime Minister Romano Prodi to form a Government. The 80-year-old life senator, the first former Communist to become Italian Head of State, took his oath of office before a joint parliamentary session in the House, swearing to be ``faithful to the Republic and loyally observe the Constitution." His subsequent speech focused on the need for better relations between the country's warring coalitions, led on the one side by Premier-elect Romano Prodi and on the other by outgoing Premier Silvio Berlusconi. He urged that the transfer of power following Italy's bitterly fought general election last month be handled with ``respect'' and ``mutual recognition." — Xinhua

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

`Da Vinci Code' sparks worldwide ire
Uncertainty over Thai re-poll
Chirac involved in probe against Sarkozy: report
Nepal set to issue proclamation curtailing the King's powers
Musharraf talks tough on "charter of democracy"
Ruling party, Opposition neck and neck in Fiji poll
U.S. to restore full relations with Libya
Hyundai chief to face trial
Italian President sworn in
Jacob Zuma reinstated

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu