Mario Monti is sworn in as Italy's new prime minister - forming a new technocrat government - tasked with fixing the country's debt crisis. With Italy's financial woes threatening the entire euro zone, President Giorgio Napolitano swore in the 16-member government - ending a political crisis facing a country on the brink of economic disaster. European marketwatchers are hoping Monti -- a former European Commissioner -- will bring stability to the country once dominated by the leadership of flamboyant former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Earlier in the day Monti - presented his cabinet, which includes a mix of academics and administrators. SOUNDBITE: Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti (Italian) "I hope that with good and serious governance and with their (the politicians) support, me and my government can make a contribution and bring reassurance and cohesion amongst the political forces." Attending a handover ceremony in Rome - Berlusconi handed Monti a silver bell - before departing the government building. Monti used the bell - to open the start of his first cabinet meeting. The former economics professor said he would bring an austerity program to the Senate on Thursday -- the beginning of crucial reforms demanded by Europe's leaders to stem a crisis at the heart of the euro zone's problems. Sarah Irwin, Reuters.
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