ROME - ITALIAN Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, caught in a messy divorce and gossip about his relationship with an 18-year-old aspiring model, dismissed on Wednesday any talk of resignation.

Also asked about the possibility of new elections, Mr Berlusconi - who owns the Mediaset media empire - said that was a 'political fantasy'.

Probed for misusing official plane ROME - ITALIAN scandal-hit Prime Minister Silvio Mr Berlusconi was Wednesday placed under investigation for allegedly misusing his official plane to fly personal friends and guests, including a flamenco ... more

The 72-year-old premier has been at the centre of a media storm pressuring him to explain his relationship with teenage Noemi Letizia, who also features in the row between him and second wife Veronica Lario, who has filed for divorce.

Mr Berlusconi also said on Italian state television Wednesday that he was being targeted by foreign newspapers and media magnate Rupert Murdoch.

He told public television Rai Uno that 'foreign newspapers which are critical are inspired by certain Italian dailies which are owned by someone opposed to the Mediaset group,' he said.

When asked by the television interviewer if he was referring specifically to Murdoch, who is Berlusconi's business rival in Italy, the premier replied: 'Exactly'.

Just last week the media tycoon turned politician denied ever having a 'spicy' relationship with an underage girl, and vowed to resign if rumours about his ties to Letizia proved true.

The leftist opposition to Mr Berlusconi's conservative government has not called for him to resign, but it has asked for explanations.

At first Mr Berlusconi said he would explain himself before parliament, but on Monday he decided that 'was no longer necessary", claiming he has already responded to the rumours.

The Italian leader has maintained that he met Letizia through her parents whom he has known for many years, while her ex-boyfriend claims Mr Berlusconi contacted her out of the blue, and directly, only last year. -- AFP