Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi on Tuesday thanked sympathisers for the wave of support he has received since being attacked Sunday. In his first public statement since the assault, the hospitalised premier appealed for calm and told supporters that love would beat hatred.

The short statement on the website of Berlusconi's People of Freedom (PdL) party sent "heartfelt thanks to the countless people who have sent me messages of affection." "I repeat that everyone should be calm and confident. Love always wins out over envy and hatred". The premier, 73, has been in hospital since a man with mental-health problems broke his nose and two teeth at a Milan rally Sunday. He is expected to be discharged Wednesday and return to public duty by the end of the year.