According to the newspaper, Berlusconi learned of the assassination plot through "reliable sources," though the prime minister did not elaborate which sources.
Berlusconi said Gaddafi was not referring to his "political death," but to his physical death, the paper added.
"Because that`s what he [Gaddafi] decided, he swore to this himself," Berlusconi was quoted as saying.
Libya has been rocked by fighting between pro- and anti-government forces since mid-February. An international military operation began on March 19 following a UN resolution and has been extended until September.
Italy has been playing an active role in the military operation in Libya.(*)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
