Italy Appoints New Foreign Minister

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi appointed veteran politician Paolo Gentiloni as foreign minister to replace Federica Mogherini who Saturday becomes European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs.



Gentiloni, 59, formerly Romano Prodi 's communications minister between 2006 and 2008, evidently was a compromise choice for Renzi's coalition government which has been deadlocked trying to find a suitable candidate to replace the glamorous Mogherini.



Renzi had reportedly wanted to appoint another woman in lieu of Mogherini to keep a female presence in his cabinet. However, in a meeting with President Giorgio Napolitano on Thursday, the head of state told Renzi that none of the women he wished for had sufficient experience of international affairs to occupy the post.



Mogherini took her leave from the Italian parliament on Friday as she goes to take up her new position in the EU Executive Commission as foreign policy chief on Nov 1.



The Italian government has only 30 percent of ministerial positions filled by women.



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