From: "Enda Brophy" <enda_b-AT-email.com> Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 23:08:53 -0500 Subject: AUT: Berlusconi Government Aide Murdered of interest to those who follow Italian politics. e. http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/euro pe/newsid_1882000/1882368.stm Italian government aide murdered Marco Biagi died outside his home in Bologna A close aide to Italy's labour minister has been shot dead. Marco Biagi, an assistant to Labour Minister Roberto Maroni, was killed outside his home in the northern city of Bologna. Eyewitnesses said two people on a motorbike approached the 51-year-old economist and law professor as he cycled home, and gunned him down. Police have begun an investigation into what is being seen as an act of political terrorism. Interior Minister Claudio Scajola has interrupted his trip to the United States and decided to return immediately to Italy after learning of Mr Biagi's murder. He described the killing as a very grave act. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said the killing "fills all Italians with pain". Marco Biagi: Drafted controversial labour laws "Terrorism has shown yet again that it poses a danger that needs to be fought with all our power," he said in a statement. No-one has claimed responsibility for the shooting, but correspondents say the incident raises fears of a domestic terror attack. Mr Biagi's murder comes just weeks after the Justice Ministry warned that Italy could witness a revival of politically-motivated terrorism. Less than a month ago, a bomb exploded near the Interior Ministry in Rome. And left-wing groups are currently furious over a planned reform of labour statutes that will make it easier to hire and fire staff. Mr Biagi was one of the authors of the proposed employment changes. Legacy of terror During the 1970s and 1980s, Italy was plagued by domestic attacks from both right-wing and left-wing terrorists, which killed hundreds and left a legacy of lingering political hostility. In 1999, top Labour Ministry adviser Massimo D'Antona was killed in an attack allegedly carried out by the militant leftist Red Brigades. The group carried out many attacks in the 1970s - most notoriously the 1978 killing of former Premier Aldo Moro. -- _______________________________________________ Sign-up for your own FREE Personalized E-mail at Email.com http://www.email.com/?sr=signup Win the Ultimate Hawaiian Experience from Travelocity. http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;4018363;6991039;n?http://svc.travelocity.com/promos/winhawaii/ --- from list aut-op-sy-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu ---
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