Silvio Berlusconi forms new government

Italian premier &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/fun/2003/02/06/43091.html ' target=_blank>Silvio Berlusconi formed a new government Saturday that will face the same problems as his last one: a sluggish economy and public discontent with Italy's presence in Iraq.

Berlusconi was sworn in by President &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/politics/2000/11/11/851.html ' target=_blank>Carlo Azeglio Ciampi as head of the nation's 60th government since the end of World War II. His team of ministers differs little from the one he led until quitting Wednesday, prompting the center-left opposition to brand the reshuffle mere "propaganda."

Berlusconi announced the creation of a new ministry Development and Territorial Cohesion under Gianfranco Micciche, the former deputy minister of economy. Micciche, who is from Sicily, will oversee efforts to develop poorer areas in southern Italy, tells ABC News. Defense Minister Antonio Martino, who oversees Italy's deployment of 3,000 troops to Iraq, is staying in his post. Giulio Tremonti, a former economics minister forced out last year by coalition feuding, returns as a deputy premier.

Berlusconi also announced the formation of a new ministry -- Development and Territorial Cohesion -- under Gianfranco Micciche, the former vice minister of economy. Micciche, who is from Sicily, will oversee efforts to develop poorer areas in southern Italy -- a concession by Berlusconi to Fini's party, the largest in his coalition of four major parties.

There are new ministers in the industry, communication, health and culture portfolios.