Protest in Rome ahead of Berlusconi confidence vote

Italian Opposition parties organized a mass anti- government demonstration on Saturday, three days before a no- confidence vote against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in parliament, reported dpa.

Eighteen, trains, 1,500 buses and two ships were ferrying protesters to Rome where the organizers of the rally said they expected about 2 million people to attend.

Two separate marches were scheduled to begin at 2 pm (1300) under the motto "The Italy that wants to change," and join up for closing rally at the square in front of the Basilica of St John Lateran.

Berlusconi's fate depends on the vote, which is due to take place on Tuesday. Until recently he had seemed likely to lose after former ally Gianfranco Fini withdrew his ministers from the coalition government in mid-November.

   But Berlusconi's party has since launched a campaign to win over lawmakers. The defection of several lawmakers to his side over the past few days on Friday led the Milan daily Corriere della Sera to write of an "indecent market in vote buying."

   Berlusconi has said he is confident of winning Tuesday's vote. If he loses, new elections are likely.