Premier's attacker apologizes

ROME: An Italian man who broke Silvio Berlusconi's nose and teeth by striking him with a souvenir model has apologised to the Italian prime minister for his "cowardly and rash act", the attacker's lawyers said.

Tartaglia, who has a history of mental illness, acted alone and without any political or militant interests at heart, his lawyers said in a brief statement released late on Monday.

In a letter sent to Berlusconi, Tartaglia expressed his "heartfelt regret for a superficial, cowardly and rash act in which he did not recognise himself", the statement said.