World Bulletin

Libyans protesting the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) cartoons set fire to the Italian consulate in Benghazi in a riot that left several people dead and wounded, Libyan security officials said. At least 25 people have been killed and several injured in Libya in clashes during a protest outside an Italian consulate, according to police. Antonio Simoes-Concalves, an Italian consular official, said nine protesters had been killed and several more had been wounded as armed police clashed with a crowd of more than 1000 demonstrators late on Friday. Libyan state television showed a part of the consulate building on fire, and firefighters trying to extinguish it. The Italian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the first floor of the building had been set on fire after the crowd charged into the grounds of the consulate.
 
In a statement in Rome, the ministry said the consulate was being protected by Libyan security forces. Libyan television also showed ambulances taking casualties away from the scene and five cars that were severely damaged in the riot. Security officials said the demonstrators hurled stones and bottles at the consulate, and later entered the grounds and set fire to the building and a consular car.

People angry to Italian minister Calderoli

They were said to be angry at Italian minister Roberto Calderoli, who had worn a T-shirt displaying the drawings. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has called for his resignation. Mr Berlusconi was on the campaign trail in central Italy when he was forced to return to Rome to coordinate a response to the protests. Speaking to Italian radio, Mr Berlusconi said the policy of the Italian government was one of respect for the Islamic religion.