New snow trouble for Italy

Heavy snow on the Italian island of Giglio frames the stricken Costa Concordia cruise liner - and poses new challenges for rescue crews.

They were hoping to begin extracting 2,300 tonnes of diesel fuel from the ship's tanks but the rare snowfall has once again scuppered the operation.

At least 17 people died and 15 are still missing after the vessel capsized just metres from the shore.

Meanwhile fresh snow is bringing more misery to the residents of the capital Rome.

The normally bustling city is almost at a standstill with authorities advising against all non-essential travel.

Army soldiers are trying to clear pathways but public transport has still been badly hit.

Newspaper stand worker Andrea Pace is amongst many struggling to get to work.

(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) NEWSPAPER SELLER, ANDREA PACE

"We are not working well and I have to clean the pavement with my own hands because it's just me here. And I have to come to work by bike because I can't afford to buy the chains for the car tyres or to buy winter tyres. The underground starts running too late in the morning so I have no choice but to use the bike. Here it is."

Authorities have also ordered schools and public offices to close while travel on the city's famed scooters and motorbikes has been banned because of the snow.

Sunita Rappai, Reuters