Italian police seal off part of central Rome because of student protest

Italian police sealed off part of central Rome Tuesday as several thousand high school and university students marched in the capital to protest a university reform by Premier Silvio Berlusconi's government.

Among the areas being cordoned off was one that included Berlusconi's private residence in central Rome. The area was patrolled by police and helicopters.

The protest took place as the lower house of parliament took up the university reform bill, pushed by Education Minister Letizia Moratti.

The measure received approval at the Senate last month, the AP reports.

V.Y.