1.
GV Ext. Quirinal Palace
0.10

2.
SV Mr. Cifarelli out of car and into palace
0.18

3.
SV Mr. Volgger arriving
0.24

4.
LV Mr. Fanfani arriving and passing guard
0.29

5.
CU Guard
0.30

6.
LV Mr. Fanfani entering
0.35

7.
SV Mr. Alessandro Pertini arriving
0.42

8.
GV Guard
0.43

9.
SV Int. Mr. La Malfa entering room
0.52

10.
CU Cameras PAN TO La Malfa
0.58

11.
CU La Malfa in front of microphones
1.06

12.
GV La Malfa in front of cameras
1.14



Initials AH/VS/PW/OS



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Italian President Giuseppe Saragat today (Thursday) rounded off talks on the formation of a new government with the country's political leaders -- among them former Prime Minister Amintore Fanfani of the Christian Democrats, Republican Party Secretary Ugo La Malfa and Chamber of Deputies President Alessandro Pertini.

Tonight, President Saragat asked Christian Democrat leader Mariano Rumor, who headed Italy's last two governments, to try and form a new government.

Signor Rumor's mandate limits his field of action to the negotiation of a four-party centre-left coalition, comprising Christian Democrats, Socialists, Social Democrats and Republicans.

This means that if such a coalition proves impossible, a new Prime Minister designate would have to be appointed to explore other solutions to Italy's political crisis.

Signor Rumor handed in the resignation of his minority Christian Democrat government on February 7, opening the way for Italy's 31st government since world War Two.