Plan for bridge between Sicily and Italian mainland meets fierce opposition

Italy has approved plans to build the world's largest suspension bridge, to link the mainland with Sicily. The 13.5 billion Euro infrastructure project has been long delayed by debates over its scale, earthquake threats, environmental impact, and the spectre of mafia interference.

The Italian government forecasts the project will create 120,000 jobs a year, and boost southern Italy's lagging economy. Thousands of locals have been marching in protest against the plan, vowing to stop the bridge from going ahead.