国际英语新闻：Berlusconi's hand strengthening even as problems continue

Berlusconi has taken steps to help heal the rift with Gianfranco Fini, the former ally to brought the months long government crisis to a boiling point Nov. 7 when he called on Berlusconi to step down.

It is not clear how effective Berlusconi's overtures have been, but the Italian press has noted that Fini has been uncharacteristically silent in recent days.

Additionally, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said Tuesday in Dubai that he believes the government will win the Dec. 14 vote, in part by picking up support from centrist lawmakers who in the past remained outside the government coalition.

He said there was a chance the government could emerge from the vote stronger than it has been at any point in the last year. "I am confident we will expand the ruling majority," Frattini told reporters in the United Arab Emirates.