Berlusconi scorns wife's divorce call

Silvio Berlusconi has hit back at his wife's divorce demand, saying: "She should apologise to me."

The Italian prime minister, 72, said someone was "egging on" his wife, Veronica Lario, 52, during an election campaign and he should be the one to end their 19-year marriage.

Mr Berlusconi vented his anger in interviews with two of Italy's leading newspapers. "I am indignant," he said. "Veronica has fallen into a trap. Don't worry, the truth will emerge."

Ms Lario called for the divorce after Mr Berlusconi went to the birthday party of a business associate's 18-year-old daughter.