Italian President Giorgio Napolitano on Saturday signed a decree dissolving parliament and clearing the way for February 24-25 elections, following consultations with the country's political leaders, dpa qouted his office as saying. The decision came after senior Italian party officials told Napolitano that there was no point in extending the current legislature - due to end in April - in the wake of Prime Minister Mario Monti's resignation a day before. Monti is expected to remain in charge as a caretaker until the elections. -- SPA
