Berlusconi slams Spanish paper over nude photos

05/06/09 14:33 CET

world news

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The Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi says he has nothing to be afraid of following the publication of photos of naked guests at a villa in Sardinia.

The Spanish paper, El Pias, ran five images today showing semi-naked young women. One picture showed a nude man, reported to be former Czech prime minister Mirek Topolank. ‘‘These photos are of people taking a bath in a private Jacuzzi, in a house. It’s just one of the homes which are given to members of foreign delegations. These people are free to behave as they want,’‘ Berlusconi said. Berlusconi confirmed his intention to take legal action against El Pias, which claimed other photos had been blocked by Italian authorities. Berlusconi is also being investigated for the alleged misuse of public funds. He’s accused of flying several people to Sardinia, including the 18 year old model Noemi Letizia, in a state owned plane.More about: Italy, Silvio Berlusconi

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Mali: Rebel groups agree to creation of Islamic state

Two Rebel groups have agreed to merge and create an independent Islamic state in Northern Mali. After seizing Azawad – an area larger than France – two months ago, the groups had initially disagreed, with the secular Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA)…