Berlusconi's trial on charges he paid for sex with an underage prostitute was adjourned immediately after it opened this morning.

It lasted just seven minutes and was adjourned to May 31.

The brief session was held under tight security, with some 100 police patrolling the courthouse in central Milan.

TV crews and other media from around the world were on hand for the opening session.

Berlusconi, however, was holding a ministerial meeting in Rome to discuss the situation in Libya.

He has denied any wrongdoing.

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