51.   Habibie has been under pressure to speed up his reform program following the resignation in May of former authoritarian leader Suharto.

52.   He put together the current coalition out of the political chaos that followed the resignation of former Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh last November.

53.   His appointment follows the resignation of the current president, Robert Haddad.

54.   His appointment would end political confusion following the resignation of Premier Lamberto Dini and avoids -- for the time being -- elections three weeks ahead of schedule.

55.   His appointment followed the resignation last week of Peter Marais, a flamboyant and controversial party leader who was embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal.

56.   His appointment would end three weeks of political confusion following the resignation of Premier Lamberto Dini and avoids early elections in the near future.

57.   His resignation was followed Friday by those of Social Affairs Minister Enold Joseph, Environment Minister Anthony Verdier and Commerce Minister Maurice Lafortune.

58.   However, some of the discussions now involve new people following the resignation last month of Chancellor Franz Vranitzky and subsequent changes in the lineup of Social Democratic ministers.

59.   Italy is without a formal government following the resignation of Premier Lamberto Dini Friday.

60.   Italian commentators called for a housecleaning of the Italian Olympic Committee following the resignation of the president amid a scandal over testing for banned, performance-enhancing substances.