Italy’s President Giorgio Napolitano has crushed speculation that he might resign, saying he will remain in office until his mandate ends in May. Mr. Napolitano also announced this establishment of two working groups which will examine ways to form a government. He's been trying to broker a compromise between the major parties following last month’s inconclusive general election. Alan Johnston reports.
All through Friday President Napolitano held talks with the major political factions but no progress was made. And overnight there was intense speculation that the president might step down but he's ruled that out. These also thoughts that calm the situation. He's pointed out that Italy does have a government. The outgoing administration of Prime Minister Mario Monti is still running the country. All the same, the president went on to stress the urgency of installing a new government in the aftermath of last month’s election.
At least twenty people are now known to have been killed in Tanzania when a building collapsed in the city of Dar es Salaam on Friday. A
rescue
worker told the BBC that at least three children were among the dead. He said rescuers were continuing the search but had given up hope of finding survivors. Dozens of people are still missing.
World News from the BBC.
Egypt’s public prosecutor has ordered the arrest of a popular satirist Bassem Youssef for allegedly insulting Islam and President Mohammed Morsi. Mr. Youssef’s TV program has sparked more controversy than any other show in the country. Activists say this case and other complaints against journalists endanger free speech in Egypt.