Berlusconi named as 'miscommunicator' of the year
By Honor Mahony
Silvio Berlusconi, Italian Prime Minister and temporarily the head of the EU, has been named as the worst communicator of 2003, by the Foreign Press Association, reports Yahoo France.
The 67 year old media magnate has long been known for his spectacular gaffes.
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Since he took over the helm of the EU in July, they have been causing even more consternation than usual.
The most infamous ones to date include likening a German MEP to a Nazi concentration camp guard, and praising Russian President Vladimir Putin's action in the break away republic of Chechnya.
He also called Benito Mussolini a benign dictator.
But before the EU Presidency, he also stirred international waters.
After the September 11 attacks in 2001, he said "We must be aware of the superiority of our civilisation, a system that has guaranteed well-being, respect for human rights and - in contrast with Islamic countries - respect for religious and political rights, a system that has as its value understanding of diversity and tolerance..."
But Mr Berlusconi was not alone in the category. He 'beat' UK Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to the post. French President Jacques Chirac also appeared in the shortlist of 'miscommunicators'.
Conversely, Hans Blix, head of the UN weapons inspectors in Iraq has been named communicator of the year.