ROME — Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, declaring himself "incapable of rancour", has pardoned the man who assaulted him on December 13, news reports said Wednesday.

Berlusconi, 73, told his centre-right People of Freedom party he had pardoned Massimo Tartaglia, who police said had a history of psychiatric troubles, for "humane reasons".

Berlusconi said however that Tartaglia should remain in custody, according to Italy's leading daily Corriere della Sera.

"I am incapable of rancour, but the action should not be underestimated," he said in a telephone conference call from his villa near Milan where he is convalescing from the attack after having spent four nights in hospital.

"I hope they don't free him too soon," Berlusconi said, adding that Tartaglia's continued detention would help deter other would-be assailants.

To read full AFP story — Go Here Now.