Berlusconi dismisses resignation talk over teen model scandal

London, June 4 (ANI): Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian Prime Minister at the centre of a media storm since his wife Veronica Lario publicly questioned the nature of his relationship with an 18-year-old aspiring model, has dismissed any talk of resignation.

"Giving up has never crossed my mind. The Italian people have given me a responsibility and I must continue to lead the government of this country," The Telegraph quoted Berlusconi, as saying in an interview on public television Rai Uno.

The 72-year-old premier has been caught in a messy divorce and gossip about his relationship with Noemi Letizia.

It was last week when the media tycoon turned politician rejected reports of having a "steamy" affair with an underage girl, and pledged he would resign if rumours about his ties to Letizia proved true.

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

In the beginning, Berlusconi said he would explain himself before parliament, but later he decided that "was no longer necessary," claiming he has already responded to the rumours. (ANI)