G8 overshadowed by protests and safety fears of L’Aquila venue

It was meant to be the crowning moment of Silvio Berlusconi’s career, his third stint as chairman of the G8 — a record — and the culmination of 15 years in politics, with the ultimate prize in view: election as head of state. Instead, the ground is shifting beneath his feet. He faces violent anti-G8 protests, doubts about his judgment after moving the summit to an earthquake zone, suggestions that his dismal record on development aid should have Italy expelled from the G8 and replaced by arch rival Spain, and mockery around the world over his private life. The attacks in the media he owns on his supposed enemies grow more strident and paranoid. Where did it all go wrong? Mr Berlusconi was putting a brave face on it all yesterday. Did he have any worries about the G8, he was asked by Il Giornale, his own newspaper. “Absolutely none,” was the reply. His aides predict that he will sail through a successful summit. Continue ... http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article6662932.ece