Bookies Bet on Havel for Peace Prize

NORWAY -- As reported by the Reuters: " The former Czech president Vaclav Havel is a favourite to win this year's Nobel Peace Prize, while the US President, George Bush, is a rank outsider, the first bookmaker to take bets on the award says.

"The UN nuclear watchdog and its head, Mohamed ElBaradei, were also among top tips by the internet bookmaker Centrebet, based in Australia. The winner of the prize will be announced in Oslo on October 8.

"...[Centrebet] rated Mr Havel at 4-1, to honour his work in his country's 'Velvet Revolution' from communism to the doorstep of the European Union.

"...Mr Bush, nominated for toppling Saddam Hussein last year, was listed as the least likely laureate at 1000-1, along with the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. President Fidel Castro of Cuba had better odds, at 500-1..."