Berlusconi in hint at successor

Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi says his justice minister could succeed him as the conservative party leader, further signalling his intention not to seek re-election when his term ends in 2013.

Mr Berlusconi announced in December that he would probably step aside at the end of the legislature in 2013. His comments to foreign journalists strengthened the likelihood that his nearly two decades in power are coming to an end.