It is the first such deal since the European Union suspended the inclusion of foreign airlines in its controversial Emissions Trading Scheme.

BBC: China agrees $8bn Airbus plane deal

Under pressure from these countries, the European authorities agreed in November to suspend the inclusion of foreign carriers in the scheme for one year.

BBC: China agrees $8bn Airbus plane deal

The British Council's director of higher education, Pat Killingley, said the inclusion of the additional foreign students was good news for UK higher education.

BBC: More overseas students 'found'

It is likely that Italy's President Ciampi, who had pushed for Ruggiero's inclusion in the cabinet, will now pressure Berlusconi to appoint a new foreign minister much sooner than that.

CNN: Berlusconi appointed himself as the new foreign minister

The presence of so many First Family allies has colored the cabinet, despite the inclusion of figures like the respected Ali Alatas, who retains his post as foreign minister, and popular preacher Tutty Alawiah, the women's affairs minister.

CNN: FORTRESS SUHARTO