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Italians should not write off northern separatists

President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro warned politicians of both houses yesterday. He said the failure of the Northern League's leader Umberto Bossi to draw big crowds at secessionist rallies did not mean northerners were not discontented. Police meanwhile searched League offices and homes of members at the behest of magistrates investigating the movement on suspicion of having violated Italy's constitution. Mr Scalfaro's address underscored his concern over last Sunday's "declaration of independence" by the secessionist firebrand Bossi. Reuter - Rome