Rome - To understand the challenges facing Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in 2009, it's best to consider the country's distinctive boot shape and its reputation for quality footwear.

Like a person putting on a fine boot, Berlusconi only has to pull hard enough on the boot straps to ensure a snug fit. But, should he pull too hard, he risks splitting the seams and pushing his toes through the fabric.

Similarly, Berlusconi, flush from his victory in April's elections, ends 2008 on a high note, with approval ratings around 60 per cent. But maintaining those figures into 2009 will require applying just the right amount of pressure in just the right place.

Parma, Italy  - The dioxin contamination found in Irish pork does not necessarily pose a health risk to humans who ate the product, the European Union's food safety authority (EFSA) said Wednesday.

EFSA said in a statement it based its conclusions on the "limited data" provided to it by the EU executive, the Commission, and on the assumption that exposure to dioxin only began in September.

Rome (Italy), Dec. 10 : US Central Command chief, General David Petraeus has said that the Mumbai attacks were of more significance for Pakistan than India, as these attacks help comprehend the magnitude of challenges confronting Islamabad.

Addressing at American Studies Centre in Rome, General David Petraeus said that the terrorist attacks in Mumbai were although quite horrible for India also, but for Pakistan this situation was more dangerous than the one that had emanated in the aftermath of 9/11.

"It doesn't mean that these attacks were less dangerous for India, but these attacks have brought to the fore the challenges facing Pakistan", The News quoted him, as saying.

Rome  - AC Milan mi

Beirut  - Thirty cheerful clowns from Germany, Italy, Morocco and Lebanon cheered the Lebanese public Tuesday by dancing in the rain in the capital Beirut.

Wearing rainbow-colored wigs and red plastic noses, the clowns put on a show in the main shopping district of Hamra street, bringing cheer to Lebanese children on the second day of the Muslim al-Adha holiday.

Some clowns walked on stilts as others danced, juggled, blew up balloons and took pictures with the crowd that gathered to watch the show in the pouring rain.

"It is meant to introduce street performances and comic relief as a way to deal with tense situations and conflict," said Tonnie Selwood Choeiri, one of the organizers.

Vatican City - The Vatican announced Tuesday the retirement of Nigerian-born Cardinal Francis Arinze, who was touted by many as a strong candidate for the papacy ahead of the 2005 conclave that eventually elected Benedict XVI.

Benedict has accepted the "for age limits" resignation of Arinze as prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, the Holy See said in a statement.