Italy's Berlusconi Says He Did Not Resign

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi says he has not offered his resignation, despite earlier indications he would do so during a meeting Monday with the country's president.

When asked by reporters about the issue after talks with President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, the prime minister simply said "No." Earlier, Mr. Berlusconi's ally, Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini, said the prime minister would formally tender his resignation at the meeting.

Mr. Berlusconi said he would go before parliament to explain the situation, but did not offer further details.

His meeting with Italy's president followed talks with Marco Follini, whose Union of Christian Democrats party pulled out of Mr. Berlusconi's coalition on Friday. The party was demanding he form a new government following a crushing defeat in regional elections earlier this month.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP, and Reuters.