Italian underwear model 'happy' over PM's divorce accord

Naples, May 19 : The Naples underwear model who received a 6,000 euro necklace from Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi last year says she is 'relieved' to hear of his divorce settlement with his estranged wife Veronica Lario.

Noemi Letizia denied wrecking Berlusconi's marriage, although Lario announced she was leaving her husband after photos of him were published at her 18th birthday party in April last year.

"They say it's my fault, but that's not true. My problem is that I've got blonde hair and a little girl's voice and people judge me on my appearance," Letizia told Italian women's weekly Diva e Donna.

She calls Berlusconi 'Daddy' but has always claimed her relationship with him is wholly platonic.

He has denied any "improper" behaviour with Letizia, although she says they met a number of times and she attended a New Year's party when she was still a minor at his luxurious villa in Sardinia.

Letizia claimed she was pleased to hear that Berlusconi and Lario had reached a divorce settlement under which he will pay Lario maintenance of 300,000 euros a month.

Lario will also keep their large villa outside Milan where she currently lives.

"I am happy they've finally found some harmony and agreed, after such a long time," said Letizia.

"I'm a peace-loving person and always want peace and love. I hate war and quarrels, and I'm not a person who starts fires," she stated.

Letizia, who was previously single, told Diva and Donna she now has a steady boyfriend called Francesco Imparato who is studying economics in Naples.

"We met in Sardinia last year and got back in touch on Facebook. We've been going out for two months, I've introduced him to my parents and am serious about him," she said.