ROME (AP) - Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi showed aplomb in the face of charges that could end his political career and possibly land him in prison, saying Wednesday he isn't worried about his impending prostitution trial or calls for his resignation.
It was the first public comment by the 74-year-old leader since he was indicted Tuesday on charges he paid for sex with a 17-year-old Moroccan girl and then used his influence to cover it up.
He spoke shortly before holding talks and a working dinner with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, his first international meeting since the indictment.
Berlusconi has denied wrongdoing, dismissing the accusations as "groundless" and the case as a "farce" and a "shame." He has accused prosecutors of trying to topple his government.
On Wednesday, the premier dodged questions about the case during a news conference on economic themes in Rome and, in contrast with recent days, did not go on the offensive to defend himself.
"Out of love of my country, I won't talk about this," Berlusconi told reporters. "I can only say one thing: I'm not worried at all."
The prostitution trial starts April 6 before a court of three female judges -- an ironic twist for the premier in the face of big protests by Italian women who contend the scandal and Berlusconi's view of women is degrading to female dignity.
The indictment marks a serious challenge to Berlusconi's grip on power at a time when the premier is weakened by an acrimonious split with an ex-ally. It reignited calls for Berlusconi's resignation, with the opposition contending the scandal -- with allegations of wild parties at the premier's villas with scantily clad women -- has embarrassed Italy and damaged its image abroad.
"A premier who is a defendant, who spends his days disputing the magistrates, is undoubtedly a man with no time to govern, and probably with no authority to do so effectively," a leading political analyst, Stefano Folli, wrote in Wednesday's editions of financial newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore. Without a clear way out, Folli said there was a risk of paralysis in parliament activity and in the executive.
The child prostitution charge carries a possible prison term of six months to three years. However, the abuse of influence charge is even more dangerous: It carries a sentence of four to 12 years, and if Berlusconi is sentenced to more than five, he would be barred from ever again holding public office.
Even if found guilty, it is unlikely he would ever go to prison. The appeals process would take years, and in Italy people over 75 rarely serve time.
Berlusconi's deepening legal woes also put to test his crucial alliance with the Northern League, a government ally on whose support in parliament Berlusconi relies for a majority.
While many of Berlusconi's allies quickly came to his defense in the face of the indictment Tuesday, Northern League leaders mostly kept silent, which many observers read as a sign of unease.
Berlusconi met with League leader and government minister Umberto Bossi and other party officials on Tuesday night, and came out of the talks saying the alliance is rock-solid.
"We are as united as ever, and determined to continue the legislature until its natural end," Berlusconi told reporters Wednesday.
He was elected in 2008. The next parliamentary elections are scheduled in 2013.