Berlusconi Ally: I Won't Sign Law To Help Premier

ROME (AP) — One of Premier Silvio Berlusconi's key allies said he won't back any new law to help the conservative leader avoid upcoming trials.

But Gianfranco Fini, the president of the Chamber of Deputies, in remarks carried on TV Monday said other lawmakers "can decide for themselves."

Lawyers for Berlusconi have been scrambling to come up with new legislation after a law granting him temporary immunity from prosecution was struck down last month as unconstitutional. Among reported proposals is one to shorten statutes of limitations so trials looming against Berlusconi could no longer be held.

Fini said on a talk show Sunday night he wouldn't sign any such law because it might "anger" citizens.

"A short statute of limitations could hurt citizens" seeking justice in other cases, Fini said. But he acknowledged that Italy's justice system is plagued by its slow procedures.

Excerpts from Fini's appearance were carried on Italian TV and in newspapers Monday.

The two allies have been squabbling lately, and Fini has distanced himself from Berlusconi, who is dogged by a sex scandal as well as legal woes.