Get ready for a new-look Silvio Berlusconi.
One of the Italian prime minister's doctors, Umberto Scapagnini, was quoted by La Stampa newspaper yesterday as saying: "He's had a little bit of cosmetic surgery around the eyes." But he cautioned: "Don't ask me anything more because these are private matters."
The 67-year-old Italian leader, considered one of the country's most image- conscious politicians, has not been seen since a news conference on December 20th.
His prolonged absence at a time of high political tension in Italy, following the scandal at food group Parmalat and the removal of Mr Berlusconi's immunity from prosecution for fraud, had fuelled rumours he might be seriously ill.
La Stampa said the nip and tuck was part of a new-look Silvio that also included a diet and exercise regime to prepare him for European elections in June. - (Reuters)