Two Berlusconi party 'defectors' return

(ANSA) - Rome, August 4 - Two 'defectors' from Silvio Berlusconi's center-right Forza Italia (FI) party have returned to the fold, the party said Thursday. A former Senate speaker and erstwhile Christian Democrat, Renato Schifani had joined the splinter New Center Right (NCD) party led by Interior Minister Angelino Alfano, as had Senator Antonio Azzollini.
    Schifani also led the Popular Area (AP) center-right caucus, which is made up of NCD plus the small centrist UDC party.
    "Schifani has continued to nurture the roots and the founding values of FI," Berlusconi's party said in a statement, adding that the media mogul viewed the move "with favor".
    "Returning to FI is a logical consequence...of the need to continue keeping faith with the ideals I believe in," said Azzollini.