Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said Monday evening he had not resigned during a meeting with President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, apparently contradicting earlier statements from his allies.

Berlusconi said he was heading to the parliament to explain the political situation after his talks with Ciampi.

He also said it would now be up to the parliament to decide, implying a confidence vote in his government.

The first debate on the political crisis would be held in the Senate later this week, Berlusconi was quoted as saying by ANSA news agency.

Meanwhile, Ciampi's office issued a statement saying the president had accepted the resignation of all ministers and undersecretaries belonging to the centrist, Catholic UDC party and the tiny Socialist grouping led by former foreign minister Gianni De Michelis.

Both parties said last week they were pulling out of the government after the government's crushing defeat in local elections this month.

The UDC pledged to continue supporting the government as an external ally but demanded that Berlusconi form a new government and a new program.

Earlier Monday, after a coalition summit, Berlusconi allies said the prime minister had patched up his differences with the UDC.

Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini announced in a written statement after the summit that Berlusconi had decided to form a new government.

Fini said Berlusconi was consequently about to hand in his resignation to Ciampi, a temporary measure in line with constitutional requirements.

He said the prime minister would then form a new government aimed at "relaunching the center right".

(Xinhua News Agency April 19, 2005)