Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi says he is not worried about standing trial charged with paying for sex with an under-age prostitute.
He has also been indicted on a charge of abuse of power related to the same girl, Karima El Mahroug, known as Ruby.
In his first public comment on the issue since a judge ordered him to stand trial on 6 April, the PM said: "I am not worried in the least."
Mr Berlusconi denies paying for sex with Ms Mahroug, when she was aged 17.
Although frequenting prostitutes is not a crime in Italy, having sex with one under the age of 18 is an offence punishable by a prison sentence.
Mr Berlusconi also rejects allegations that he abused his power by seeking Ms Mahroug's release when she was detained in another case.
He has said the accusations are politically motivated.
"For love of country I won't talk about it," Mr Belusconi said at the end of a news conference that mainly addressed economic issues.
"Suffice it to say that I am not worried in the least."