Embattled Italian prime minister to visit Panama

Italy’s Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi under increasing political and judicial pressure at home will make a two-day official visit to Panama for the start of construction of the third set of  Canal locks. .

Zoraya Quintero, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said the prime minister will arrive in the country on June 30, to participate in the formal start of the new phase of construction with Italian company Impregilo one of the contractors.
The Italian prime minister will conclude his official visit on July 1, the first anniversary of the government of President Ricardo Martinelli.
In Italy Berlusconi, who owns the largest portion of the country’s media outlets, has an extensive record of criminal allegations, including false accounting tax fraud, and corruption and is currently facing trial on several charges following decisions of the Italian Supreme Court.