The Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti has resigned, after parliament in Rome gave its final approval to the budget for next year. The resignation paves the way for an early election expected in February. Alan Johnston reports.
Soon after seen through one last piece of parliamentary business, Mr. Monti made his way to the presidential palace. There his resignation brought to an end 13 months in power. They began with Italy deep in financial crisis, and Mr. Monti imposed emergency austerity measures that he said were needed to avert economic disaster. Now, there is intense speculation that he might be tended to enter the election campaign and try to secure a powerful position in the next government. He is expected to spell out his intentions over the weekend.
The U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the shooting-down of a U.N. helicopter by the South Sudanese army. He said the helicopter was clearly marked. Mr. Ban called on the government of South Sudan to carry out an immediate investigation and bring to account those responsible.
World news from the BBC
Police in Kenya said at least 39 people have been killed in a fresh outbreak of violence in the south of the country. People armed with machetes attacked a village in the Tana Delta region. Paramilitary police have been flown to the area. Police say ethnic Pokomo farmers attacked members of the Omar community in revenge for clashes in August, which left more than 100 dead.