Fresh protests have been taking place across Austria and the rest of Europe against the inclusion of the far-right Freedom Party in a new coalition government.

About 2,000 people attended a demonstration in Vienna on Saturday and there were also gatherings in other Austrian towns.

The protests passed off largely peacefully, in contrast to the violent scenes in the capital on Friday when more than 50 people were injured in clashes with police.

Our correspondent says the mood on the streets of Vienna has turned from anger to frustration. She said most of protesters were resigned to the inclusion of Mr Haider's Party, but said they intended to show the world their disapproval.

The calmer demonstrations follow an appeal by the Austrian President, Thomas Klestil. Mr Klestil said it was important for Austrians to stick together "during these difficult times" and not risk and emotional splitting of the population.

Protests against the Freedom Party and its leader, Joerg Haider, have also been taking place in several European capitals, including London and Oslo.

However, in Italy, members of the right-wing MSI party protested in support of Mr Haider outside the Austrian embassy in Rome.

They displayed a banner which said: "No to the interference of the 'Europe of the banks', yes to the sovereignty of the Austrian people."

Mr Haider responded defiantly to the diplomatic sanctions imposed on his country by the European Union.

But only a day after the installation of the new government, divisions already appear to be developing between the coalition parties.

Mr Haider, in a statement released to the Austrian Press Agency, appealed to Austrians "not to allow themselves to be disturbed by the anti-Austrian mood in foreign countries".

"This is nothing to get hysterical about," he said.

He suggested the EU would soon get used to seeing Freedom Party ministers working with what he called good policies, mastery of their briefs and proper behaviour.

He added that one of the best things about the EU was the principle of unanimity, because it meant that there need be "no worry" about the current EU line against Austria.

This appeared to be a thinly-veiled threat that his group might use its veto power to block decisions at EU ministerial meetings.

However, Austria's Foreign Minister, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, immediately rejected such a move, saying there were no plans to retaliate against EU sanctions.

She said her first priority was to persuade Austria's EU partners to restore political ties.

Austria ostracised

The other 14 EU states are imposing immediate political sanctions on Austria in an attempt to isolate the new government.

The United States and Israel have both recalled their ambassadors.

Mr Haider - best known abroad for remarks belittling the crimes of the Nazis - will not have a seat in the Austrian cabinet, but is expected to play an influential role behind the scenes.

In an interview on German television, he said it was an affront to the Austrian public that he had been obliged by President Klestil to sign a declaration undertaking to uphold democratic values and take a "self-critical" look at Austria's Nazi past.