Berlusconi will stand aside in 2013

Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi told a local newspaper, he will not run again when his term ends in 2013.

This announcement comes at a time of renewed fighting between the Minister in his administration. His personal popularity has been slipping badly in the polls and recent local elections.

Berlusconi, fighting corruption charges and paying for sex with an underage prostitute, has reiterated his desire that Justice Minister Angelino Alfano taking over from him.

Italy Hosts World Leaders In The National Celebrations

World leaders have celebrated the birth of Italy as a modern nation. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, were undoubtedly a welcome distraction from his legal and political difficulties.

For the President Giorgio Napolitano, this was to reflect 150 years of history present in a number of VIP guests gathered in Rome.

Among those present were the President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai and U.S. Vice President, Joe Biden.