The 73-year-old politician made the remark during a meeting with Albanian counterpart Sali Berisha at a summit and his guest was left visibly uncomfortable by the joke.
The two, who had just held talks on
the number of Albanians allowed into Italy, were speaking at a press conference in Rome when Berlusconi said: 'We will only accept pretty girls from Albania.'The Italian Premier, who is in the middle of a divorce battle with estranged wife Veronica Lario, 53, also joked with photographers: 'You know I am single now.'
Opposition MPs immediately condemned the politican's comments. Paola Pellegrini said: 'Once again Berlusconi just doesn't give up on his barracks humour.
'Even in the face of tragedy such as immigration by desperate people, from in this case Albania, the Prime Minister repeats his obsession with woman reduced to fresh meat to be consumed.'
Ms Pellegrini added: 'He is an indecorous old man who pretends to lead a country which has been subjected to the propaganda of his television and newspapers.'
It is not the first time that Berlusconi has caused controvery with his comments,
In 2003 he caused outrage when he said German MEP Martin Schulz reminded him of a concentration camp guard.
Last year he raised eyebrows by calling U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle 'suntanned'.
Berlusconi said only 'pretty girls from Albania' would be accepted into his country
Berlusconi said only 'pretty girls from Albania' would be accepted into his country
During as trip to the U.S. in 2009, he told businessmen that Italy was a great country to invest in 'because we have fewer Communists nowadays and beautiful secretaries, superb girls.'
Earlier this year, Berlusconi was hospitalised after being struck in the face by a multi-spired statue of Milan's Gothic Cathedral.
The billionaire was left with a fractured nose, broken teeth and severe cuts to his gums and lips following the attack by Massimo Tartaglia, 42, a man with a history of psychiatric problems, in Milan in December.
Tartaglia has been in custody in a clinic since the attack and will go to trial accused of premeditated assault on a public official on May 7.
He can ask for a fast track trial which means if found guilty he will get a reduced sentence.
Earlier this week a report requested by prosecutors on Berlusconi's injuries said that the attack had 'permanently impaired his ability to chew.'
Berlusconi has been under pressure for almost a year since it emerged last April that he had attended the 18th birthday part of underwear model Noemi Letizia, giving her a 6000 euro gold and diamond necklace as a gift.
Two months later it was revealed that escort girls had been among guests invited to parties at his official residences in Rome and Sardinia.
(lu sur the Daily Mail)
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