BBC News with Sue Montgomery

The Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has now resigned. Crowds jeered and heckled as he went to the presidential palace to present his resignation. He held his last cabinet meeting after the final approval by the Italian parliament of austerity measures. Alan Johnston reports from Rome.

After holding one last cabinet meeting, Silvio Berlusconi made his way to the residence of Italy's head of state, President Giorgio Napolitano. It was an undignified journey. As Mr Berlusconi arrived at the palace, a large crowd booed and jeered. But once inside, the prime minister formally tendered his resignation. Silvio Berlusconi was often described as a consummate survivor, managing to slip out of political and legal trouble again and again. But he has been overwhelmed by the scale of Italy's current financial crisis. It has swept him away, and now Italy has entered a new era.

Syria has condemned its suspension by the Arab League, calling the decision illegal. The Arab League suspended Syria until it implements the terms of a peace initiative agreed 10 days ago. It also announced economic and political sanctions against Damascus. Jon Leyne reports.