Berlusconi in feud with newspaper

SILVIO BERLUSCONI has lashed out against an Italian newspaper who demanded the premier explain the nature of his relationship with an 18-year-old.

Mr Berlusconi declined to answer reporters’ questions yester over his feud with La Repubblica, a left-leaning daily.

Yesterday, the paper demanded the premier clarify how he knew Noemi Letizia, the 18-year-old who has been quoted as saying she calls Berlusconi ‘papi’ – or ‘daddy’ – and has been photographed sporting a gold and diamond necklace the premier reportedly gave her as a birthday gift.