Mario Monti 'available to lead Italy' 23 December 2012 Last updated at 12:41 Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti says he is not siding for now with any party in upcoming elections, but remains available to head a future government. Mr Monti said he was ready to lead any coalition committed to his agenda. The caretaker prime minister said he was unable to accept an offer from former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to lead a centrist coalition. Elections are to be held in February. Mr Monti resigned after Mr Berlusconi's party withdrew its support. Mr Monti was nominated as technocratic prime minister in November 2011, after Mr Berlusconi's centre-right coalition government fell amidst a financial and economic crisis. Speaking at a news conference in Rome, Mr Monti urged Italian parties not to destroy what he said was his government's achievement in saving Italy from that crisis. "That financial emergency has been overcome," he said. Italians can once again hold their heads high as citizens of Europe. Asked repeatedly if he was going to run the the 24-25 February election, Mr Monti said: "To the forces that show convinced and credible adherence to the Monti agenda, I would be ready to give my advice, my encouragement and if necessary leadership. I would also be ready to assume one day, if required by circumstances, the responsibilities that would be entrusted to me by the parliament. The BBC's David Willey says Mr Monti, whose possible role in February's election has been the subject of intense speculation in Italy, is playing playing his cards close to his chest - whilst keeping his options open.