Berlusconi's brother goes on the run from police

PAOLO BERLUSCONI, the younger brother of the Italian Prime Minister, was officially on the run yesterday. His lawyers promised that he would give himself up, 'but not today'.

The younger Berlusconi, who has been directly implicated in bribing finance police, was apparently trying to cut a deal with investigating judges under which he would not be jailed if he presented himself for questioning. However, Italy's leading 'clean hands' judge, Antonio Di Pietro, has refused to accept any pre-conditions.

Silvio Berlusconi is in an uncomfortable position whatever course of action Paolo chooses. It is embarrassing for a prime minister to have a fugitive from justice for a brother. On the other hand, Silvio Berlusconi's political future could hang on what his brother eventually tells the magistrates.

The elder Berlusconi was still in day-to-day charge of his Fininvest business empire when Paolo and his head of tax affairs allegedly bribed the Guardia di Finanza. According to the executive, Salvatore Sciascia, they paid a total of 330m lire (some pounds 150,000) for 'favourable' treatment.

If the younger Berlusconi is sent for trial on the charges, his brother could be asked how it was that, as head of the group, he had no idea that bribes were being paid.

Mr Berlusconi acted yesterday to try to stem the growing row over the conflict of interest between his business and political activities. His Canale 5 TV station reported that the prime minister would reveal measures aimed at guaranteeing the separation of his interests at a press conference today. According to Canale 5, Mr Berlusconi is to announce the appointment of a British-style ombudsman to oversee Fininvest's activities. He has also promised to make a statement to parliament on the issue next Tuesday.

The Corriere della Sera reported that President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro had already begun discreet consultations with party leaders about possible alternative governments in case the corruption inquiries implicate the Prime Minister himself.