Berlusconi is the head of a system of information that is completely skewed to his advantage and which cannot guarantee the pluralism a democracy needs. The conflict... is fundamental to everyone's freedom.

We, who were against the war, are completely opposed to any negotiation with kidnappers and terrorists. The government is continuing to work with seriousness and discretion for the release of the hostages.

An Italy in the hands of Bossi would be an Italy that wouldn't be accepted in Europe.

We showed that the centre-left is alive and kicking.

We can start over again from here. These results show we are a strong political force even after the victory of the right.

We must not recall our troops because a band of assassins have demanded it.

How can you go ahead without taking formal action, but just mocking the governor in an international setting?

The vile blackmail by a band of criminal kidnappers must not be given the dignity of a political response. Italy is and must remain unified and together.

Berlusconi in America gave one of his most spectacular performances: yesterday he said on television... he was always against the war, then he went to Bush and said Italy would not withdraw.