from www.dailymail.co.uk – Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi had a giggle today as he shrugged off the looming prostitution trial which could end his political career.

In his first public comments since being charged, Mr Berlusconi dodged questions about the case during a news conference on economic themes in Rome.

He said that he would not be speaking about the case ‘out of love of my country’ but added: ‘I can only say one thing, I’m not worried at all.’

The 74-year-old was ordered yesterday to stand trial on charges he paid a 17-year-old Moroccan girl, Karima El Mahroug, for sex, then used his influence to cover it up.

Miss El Mahroug says she was given £7,000 by the Italian PM, as a gift, but denies that she ever had sexual intercourse with him.

Prosecutors have stressed that ‘fondling her and not having intercourse’ would still be a crime as she was under 18, the age of consent to act as a prostitute in Italy.

The trial is set to begin April 6 before a panel of three female judges.

Berlusconi has called the allegations ‘groundless’ and dismissed the case as a ‘farce’, accusing prosecutors of seeking to oust him from power.

His lawyers are expected to appeal against the decision to send him for trial.
Along with the under-age sex accusation, there have been revelations of wild parties at the premier’s villas with scantily clad women.

Berlusconi’s lawyers have filed dozens of statements from female guests who insisted the ‘bunga bunga’ parties were not of a sexual nature but pleasant evenings of dinner and talking.

Showbusiness agent Lele Mora, TV newscaster Emilio Fede and former showgirl Nicole Minetti are also under investigation.

They are said to have procured girls for Mr Berlusconi and taken them to his house.

Prosecutors said ‘numerous women were involved’ but Miss El Mahroug was the only one who was under-age. She is expected to testify at the trial.

The child prostitution charge carries a possible prison term of six months to three years.

However, the abuse of influence charge is even more dangerous: it carries a sentence of four to 12 years, and if Berlusconi is sentenced to more than five, he would be barred from ever again holding public office.

The indictment reignited calls for his resignation, with the opposition saying the scandal has embarrassed Italy and damaged its image abroad.

But Mr Berlusconi insisted today that he and his government ally, the Northern League party, are united and ‘determined to continue the legislature until its natural end.’

Mr Berlusconi was elected in 2008. The next parliamentary elections are due in 2013.