MILAN - A court has refused to halt ex-prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's fraud appeal until after national elections. It ruled that the hearings, which began yesterday, would continue, but the verdict would be returned after the February 24-25 elections, avoiding any "media clamour" impacting the race. Berlusconi is heading a centre-right coalition but has not been clear on whether he will be a candidate for prime minster. AP
WASHINGTON - The United States and Somalia launched a new era of diplomatic relations, as Washington recognised the African country's government for the first time since 1991. The move turns the page on the darkest chapter in ties between the two nations, in which Americans were anguished by scenes of US soldiers being dragged through the streets of Mogadishu by a mob in 1993. Somalia has not had an effective central government since 1991, but a new administration took office in the nation last year. AFP