Berlusconi forms Italy's new Government

Silvio Berlusconi has formed Italy's 59th post-war Government.

In a bow to his coalition members, Mr Berlusconi chose Gianfranco Fini, head of the once-fascist National Alliance, to be deputy premier.

Mr Berlusconi's conservative coalition won the election on May 13. He has been working since then on dividing up the ministries among his partners.

The former chief of the World Trade Organisation, Renato Ruggiero, is to be foreign minister.

Roberto Castelli, of the once-separatist Northern League, is justice minister.

All the main parties in the coalition demanded key ministries. Some of his choices have made partners unhappy, but the coalition appears intact.

Mr Berlusconi served as premier for the first time in 1994.

His Government fell after a stormy seven months when one of his coalition partners withdrew his support.