Brussels tries to play down Berlusconi controversy

The European Commission attempted to play down Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's threat to block EU voting saying it was "a closed issue" and a result of a "misunderstanding".

Mr Berlusconi's outburst was made on Tuesday when he said Italy would refuse to vote unless it was agreed no commissioner or spokesmen would make public statements on any topic.

Faced with several direct questions on the comments, the Commission's chief spokesman said "the matter has been settled so that the EU can concentrate on the real issue facing the block".

Mr Berlusconi appeared to object to newspaper reports that the Commission was implicitly criticising Italy by requesting information after a boat of fleeing illegal immigrants was returned to Libya by the Italian coastguard on Sunday.

Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot said the Commission had sent a letter to Malta and Italy over last Sunday's incident.

During the Commission's daily briefing in Brussels yesterday, Johannes Laitenberger told a crowded press room: "There was a misunderstanding related to some statements that were made. I believe the matter has been cleared up. I see no reason to continue any polemics and we hope the question can be considered closed".

On Tuesday, Mr Berlusconi, renowned for his diplomatic gaffes, said he would take the matter up with the Commission at the next EU summit adding that "we intend to ask that any commissioner or spokesman who insists on speaking out be definitively removed from their position".

While trying to quell the controversy, Mr Laitenberger defended the Commission spokesmen's roles and said they were "the microphones that spread the political voice" of the EU Executive.

He rejected allegations that Mr Berlusconi sought to intimidate the spokesmen and said the EC acted as a "collective body".

This latest spat comes at a very awkward time for Commission President José Manuel Barroso who is trying to secure support from member states and the European Parliament for a second five-year mandate.

Mr Laitenberger rejected suggestions that Mr Berlusconi's comments could be an indirect threat to Mr Barroso's efforts.

On the other hand, some MEPs, particularly the Socialists who include Italian opposition members, condemned Mr Berlusconi's comments. Others, including Maltese MEPs, took a diplomatic stance, preferring to stay away from any controversy with Malta's neighbour.

The Nationalist and Labour heads of delegation in Brussels - Simon Busuttil and Louis Grech - said the issue should be settled as soon as possible.

"We must move on and avoid tit-for-tat remarks. We must ensure the issue of migration is resolved without the need for such polemics," Dr Busuttil said.

Mr Grech adopted the same compromising style and said "this issue should be resolved amicably between the two parties".

In contrast, Mr Grech's European leader, Martin Schultz, lambasted Mr Berlusconi. "We call on the EU Presidency and European Commission President Barroso to react immediately and personally against this outrageous attack on European institutions," Mr Schultz said.

"Berlusconi should not even dream of telling the EU not to speak out. Europe has had more than enough painful experiences of being silenced."