Italian Prime Minister and interim Foreign Minister Silvio Berlusconi
smiles as he faces the press during his first function at the foreign
ministry January 9, 2002. Berlusconi, who has been battered by
criticism over the resignation of his foreign minister, Renato
Ruggiero, sought to reassure sceptics at home and abroad that his
government was committed to a strong Europe. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

DJM/CRB