Italy and Eritrea restore diplomatic links

Italy and Eritrea have resumed diplomatic contacts, eight months after Eritrea expelled the Italian ambassador, leading to a breach in relations.

The decision was made during a two day visit to Rome by the Eritrean president, Isaias Afeworki, during which he met President Silvio Berlusconi of Italy.

The break in relations came after the Italian ambassador to Asmara made representations to the Eritrean authorities, on behalf of the European Union over the arrest of opposition members of the ruling party, and the closure of Eritrea's free press.

The Italians held the local presidency of the European Union at the time - a rotating position.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service