LONDON - THE heads of African and Asian regional bodies have been invited to join the world's richest countries at the upcoming G-20 summit, in a bid to tackle the credit crunch head-on, Britain said on Friday.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that widening the guest list 'not only reflects the new reality of the global economy but will also make any action we take more effective', in a statement released by his Downing Street office.

ROME - ITALY'S government rushed through a decree law on Friday toughening penalties for sex offenders and permitting neighbourhood citizen patrols after a spate of high-profile rapes by immigrants sparked national outrage.

Italy's government says data show the number of sexual assaults actually fell last year, but three rapes last weekend in Rome, Milan and Bologna triggered a media frenzy that prompted calls for tougher measures.

JERUSALEM - ISRAELI President Shimon Peres chose hard-line Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu to form a new Israeli government on Friday, ending days of speculation and giving Mr Netanyahu six weeks to put together a ruling coalition.

The question now is whether Mr Netanyahu will form a narrow government with his hard-line allies or a broad government along with his centrist rival, Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni. His choice will have serious ramifications for the Mideast peace process.