Mario Monti has formed a new technocrat government in Italy to tackle a debt crisis threatening the entire euro zone and says he hopes this will placate financial markets. President Giorgio Napolitano has sworn in a 16-member cabinet, including three women, at his palace.

Mario Monti has formed a new technocrat government in Italy to tackle a debt crisis threatening the entire euro zone and says he hopes this will placate financial markets. President Giorgio Napolitano has sworn in a 16-member cabinet, including three women, at his palace.

At least 31 soldiers and civilians have been killed in a day of clashes in Syria. According to opposition sources, Syrian army deserters attacked a military intelligence office in Harasta, killing six soldiers and wounding more than 20.

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