Italy's ex-PM Monti Not to Run in General Elections

Resigned Italian PM Mario Monti has made it clear that he will not run as a candidate in upcoming early general elections February 2013.

At a press event Sunday, Monti has said he is "confused" by former PM Silvio Berlusconi's conflicting statements regarding Berlusconi's support or opposition to Monti.

Berlusconi has said he will return to Italian politics out of "duty" after the resignation of Monti, saying this need will be much stronger if Monti decides to run, although he supported the work done by Monti's cabinet.

According to Monti speaking Sunday, his cabinet did a good job in "changing Italy and reforming Europe."

"The agenda now focuses on avoiding very dangerous steps ahead," added the resigned Italian PM.

Although Monti said he will not run in the elections themselves, he confirmed his readiness to lead a new cabinet, should other parties request him to do so.

Mario Monti filed his resignation to President Giorgio Napolitano on Friday after passage of Italy's 2013 budget.

Monti's technical cabinet was formed in Novemer 2011, following Berlusconi's resignation, and its chief goal was to straighten up Italy's troubled finances.