A round-up of today's other stories in brief
New Italian president sworn in
ROME - Former communist Giorgio Napolitano was sworn in as Italy's new president yesterday, finally opening the way for centre-left leader Romano Prodi to form a new government. Mr Napolitano, who was elected by politicians last week, was sworn in during a joint session of parliament in Italy's lower house. - (AP)
Hamas urged to renounce violence
RAMALLAH - Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas yesterday urged Hamas to renounce violence and Israel to talk peace with him, warning that a unilateral Israeli plan for the West Bank would fuel extremism.
In a speech to mark Nakba, a day of mourning for Palestinians recalling the day Israel was founded in 1948, Mr Abbas said Hamas, which heads the Palestinian government, should honour existing peace agreements.
Palestinians should not be satisfied with "fiery speeches and slogans that could bring about international isolation", he said. - (Reuters)
Darfur rebels' deadline extended
ADDIS ABABA - The African Union yesterday gave two rebel factions a further two weeks to sign a peace deal for Sudan's Darfur region while threatening possible international sanctions if they did not endorse it.
Only one of the three Darfur rebel factions signed a May 5th accord with Khartoum to end fighting in the region that has killed tens of thousands of people, and officials fear the two rebel holdouts could instigate violence in an attempt to scuttle the deal. - (Reuters)