21.   On currency markets, the lira fell ahead of the news that Dini was resigning again.

22.   Rumours that Germany would propose a delay in the launch spread through foreign financial markets on Friday and caused the lira to fall.

23.   The dollar gained one yen and two pfennigs in trading on the European markets Tuesday while the Italian lira fell to a historic low against the German mark.

24.   The lira fell against the mark in the continuing absence of agreement on a new Italian government.

25.   The lira fell in London.

26.   The lira fell late Thursday in Milan, after Italian Premier Lamberto Dini confirmed his resignation, operators said.

27.   The lira fell sharply against the mark in initial trading here on Friday.

28.   The lira fell to a very low level, despite adoption on Wednesday by the Italian cabinet of an austerity budget for next year.

29.   The lira fell in initial interbank dealing here on Tuesday on rumours that key anti-corruption magistrate Antonio Di Pietro was about to resign.

30.   The lira fell on the official announcement of the opening of an investigation of Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi in connection with alleged corruption.