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Italy Close to New Government as Trump Backs Conte's Return as PM

Reuters

   ROME - The two parties trying to form a new Italian government appeared
   close to a coalition deal Tuesday, cheering financial markets as well
   as U.S. President Donald Trump, who said he hoped Giuseppe Conte would
   be reinstated as prime minister.

   The role of Conte has been a sticking point in the negotiations between
   the 5-Star Movement, a member of the outgoing coalition, and the
   opposition Democratic Party (PD), which has been resisting his
   reappointment.

   "Starting to look good for the highly respected Prime Minister of the
   Italian Republic, Giuseppi (sic) Conte," Trump said on Twitter. "A very
   talented man who will hopefully remain Prime Minister."

   After setbacks early Tuesday, the roller-coaster talks between the
   anti-establishment 5-Star and the center-left PD appeared to be back on
   track later in the day, with upbeat comments from both sides prompting
   a strong market rally.

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