Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has had to postpone his scheduled visit to Belgrade on Friday because of obligations related to the adoption of the budget in the Italian parliament, Head of the Foreign Desk in the Italian Prime Minister Press Office Marco Ventura told Tanjug Thursday.

The office of Serbian President Boris Tadic told Tanjug they had been informed about the postponement of the visit.

Ventura told Tanjug that Berlusconi had personally informed Tadic about his decision.

The prime minister has regretfully informed President Tadic about the postponement of his visit. The two officials agreed that a new date for the visit should be scheduled as soon as possible, Ventura said.

He added that Berlusconi was hoping to the last moment that he would be able to visit Belgrade on Friday, but that the delay had to take place due to a change in the budget-voting schedule.