WORLD / Europe

Italian leader Berlusconi resigns
(AP)
Updated: 2006-05-02 20:53

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who refused for weeks to concede electoral defeat, handed in his resignation Tuesday to Italy's president, paving the way for a center-left government led by Romano Prodi.

President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi asked Berlusconi to remain as caretaker, a statement from the president's office said. "The president of the republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, has met this morning with Premier Silvio Berlusconi, who has handed in the resignation of the Cabinet he presides," the statement said.