H.R.1134 Internal Revenue Code of 1986

On Friday, April 15, 2005, the President signed into law:

H.R.1134, which amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the proper tax treatment of certain disaster mitigation payments.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 15, 2005 Statement by the Press Secretary

H.R.1134 Bill Summary & Status for the 109th Congress

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income disaster mitigation payments paid to property owners pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act or the National Flood Insurance Act (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). Exempts property for which excludable payments are received from an increase in cost basis.

Treats any sale or transfer of property to the Federal Government, a State or local government, or an Indian tribal government to implement hazard mitigation under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act or the National Flood Insurance Act as an involuntary conversion for purposes of determining the taxable gain from such sale or transfer.

Waiver and Certification of Statutory Provisions Regarding the Palestine Liberation Organization

SUBJECT: Waiver and Certification of Statutory Provisions Regarding the Palestine Liberation Organization

Pursuant to the authority and conditions contained in section 534(d) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2005, Public Law 108 447, I hereby determine and certify that it is important to the national security interests of the United States to waive the provisions of section 1003 of the Anti Terrorism Act of 1987, Public Law 100-204.

This waiver shall be effective for a period of 6 months from the date hereof. You are hereby authorized and directed to transmit this determination to the Congress and to publish it in the Federal Register.

GEORGE W. BUSH # # # Memorandum for the Secretary of State Presidential Determination No. 2005-22

(Pub. L. 100-204, title X, Sec. 1002, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1406.)
EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERMINATION

Section 1005 of title X of Pub. L. 100-204 provided that:
''(a) Effective Date. - Provisions of this title (enacting this chapter) shall take effect 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act (Dec. 22, 1987)."

''(b) Termination. - The provisions of this title shall cease to have effect if the President certifies in writing to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House that the Palestine Liberation Organization, its agents, or constituent groups thereof no longer practice or support terrorist actions anywhere in the world.''

SHORT TITLE
Section 1001 of title X of Pub. L. 100-204 provided that: ''This title (enacting this chapter) may be cited as the 'Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987'.''
SOURCE: whitehouse.gov and FindLaw

Robert J. Portman Ambassador Extraordinary And Plenipotentiary

Robert J. Portman, of Ohio, to be United States Trade Representative, with the Rank of Ambassador Extraordinary And Plenipotentiary, Vice Robert B. Zoellick, Resigned.

# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, April 14, 2005 Nomination Sent to the Senate

Eduardo Aguirre Jr, David R. Hill, Emil M. Skodon, Craig Roberts Stapleton

Eduardo Aguirre, Jr., of Texas, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Spain, and To Serve Concurrently and Without Additional Compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America To Andorra.

David R. Hill, of Missouri, to be General Counsel of The Department of Energy, Vice Lee Sarah Liberman Otis, Resigned. Phyllis F. Scheinberg, of Virginia, to be An Assistant Secretary of Transportation, Vice Linda Morrison Combs.

Emil M. Skodon, of Illinois, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador To Brunei Darussalam.

Craig Roberts Stapleton, of Connecticut, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America To France.


# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, April 14, 2005 Nominations Sent to the Senate

National Volunteer Week, 2005

National Volunteer Week, 2005, By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation

The great strength of our Nation is found in the hearts and souls of the American people. During National Volunteer Week, we recognize the millions of individuals who touch our lives as soldiers in America's armies of compassion. Our Nation's volunteers inspire us with their dedication, commitment, and efforts to build a more hopeful country for our citizens.

Americans take pride in the example of citizens who give their time and energy to care for the most vulnerable among us. In the past year, millions of volunteers have mentored children, provided shelter for the homeless, prepared for and responded to disasters, cared for the sick and elderly, fed the hungry, and performed other acts of kindness and community service. These selfless deeds have contributed to a culture of compassion and taught young people the importance of giving back to their communities.

My Administration is encouraging volunteer service through the USA Freedom Corps, and we have seen tremendous growth in the number of volunteers. Last year, over 64 million Americans offered their time as volunteers, an increase of nearly 5 million people since 2002. In the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami, the world witnessed the compassion of our Nation as millions of our citizens donated generously to help the many people affected by the disaster. By participating in public service programs such as the Peace Corps, Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and grassroots efforts such as Citizen Corps, our citizens are helping others. My Administration also supports faith based and community groups whose volunteers bring hope and healing to those in need.

During National Volunteer Week, we thank those who volunteer to serve a cause greater than self, and I commend the more than 200,000 Americans who have earned the Volunteer Service Award from my Council on Service and Civic Participation. I urge all those who wish to get involved to visit the USA Freedom Corps website at www.usafreedomcorps.gov. By giving back to our communities, we can change America for the better one heart and one soul at a time.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 17 through April 23, 2005, as National Volunteer Week. I call upon all Americans to recognize and celebrate the important work that volunteers do every day across our country. I also encourage citizens to explore ways to help their neighbors and become involved in their communities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty ninth.

GEORGE W. BUSH # # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, April 14, 2005

Small Business Week, 2005

Small Business Week, 2005 by the President of the United States of America a Proclamation

America's economy is the most prosperous in the world, and the small business sector is one of its great strengths. During Small Business Week, we honor small business owners and workers, and we reaffirm our commitment to keeping America the best place in the world to do business.

Our economy is strong and growing stronger. More Americans are working today than ever before. The unemployment rate is lower than the average rate of the 1970's, 1980's, and 1990's. Homeownership is at a record high. Family incomes are rising. Small businesses are at the heart of this growth, creating most new private-sector jobs in our economy and helping our citizens succeed.

My Administration is committed to keeping small businesses vibrant and strong. We provided tax relief and streamlined tax reporting requirements for small businesses. We are working to reduce the burden of unnecessary regulation and excessive litigation. We are working to make health care more available and affordable. We are opening up markets for U.S. products through free trade agreements and by enforcing existing trade laws. And we have promoted a culture of ownership so that more people can own their own homes and start their own businesses.

As small business owners and employees add to the vitality of our economy, they also inspire others to realize the full promise of our Nation. I join all Americans in celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit and hard work of our small business owners and employees.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 24 through April 30, 2005, as Small Business Week. I call upon all the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs that celebrate the achievements of small business owners and their employees and encourage and foster the development of new small businesses.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty ninth.

GEORGE W. BUSH # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 14, 2005

bankruptcy reform

I commend the House for acting in bipartisan fashion to curb abuses of the bankruptcy system. These commonsense reforms will make the system stronger and better so that more Americans - especially lower-income Americans - have greater access to credit. I look forward to signing the bill into law.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 14, 2005 Statement by the President

Executive Order 12863, Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board

Executive Order: Amendments to Executive Order 12863, Relating to the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Public Law 108 458), and to update and clarify Executive Order 12863, which created the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board, Executive Order 12863 of September 13, 1993, as amended by Executive Orders 13070 of December 15, 1997, and 13301 of May 14, 2003, is further amended as follows:

(a) effective upon appointment of the Director of National Intelligence, by striking "Director of Central Intelligence" each place it appears and inserting in lieu thereof "Director of National Intelligence"; and

(b) by adding at the end thereof the following new section:

"Sec. 3.4. This order is intended only to improve the internal management of the executive branch of the Federal Government, and is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity, against the United States, its departments, agencies, or other entities, its officers or employees, or any other person.".

GEORGE W. BUSH THE WHITE HOUSE, # # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, April 13, 2005

Executive Order: African Union Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities

Executive Order: Designating the African Union as a Public International Organization Entitled to Enjoy Certain Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including sections 1 and 12 of the International Organizations Immunities Act (22 U.S.C. 288 and 288f 2), as amended by section 569(h) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2005 (Division D of Public Law 108-447), it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Designation. The African Union is hereby designated as a public international organization entitled to enjoy the privileges, exemptions, and immunities provided by the International Organizations Immunities Act.

Sec. 2. Non-Abridgement. The designation in section 1 of this order is not intended to abridge in any respect privileges, exemptions, or immunities that the African Union otherwise may have acquired or may acquire by law.

Sec. 3. Revocation. Executive Order 11767 of February 19, 1974, is revoked.

GEORGE W. BUSH THE WHITE HOUSE, # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 13, 2005

E-file 7.8 Percent Ahead of Last Year IRS

E-file 7.8 Percent Ahead of Last Year as Tax Deadline Approaches IRS

WASHINGTON — With April 15 just days away, the Internal Revenue Service announced today that the e-file, direct deposit and e-payment programs remain at record paces so far this year.

Through April 8, taxpayers e-filed 55.8 million tax returns up almost 8 percent from the same period last year. Overall, 63 percent of all returns were e-filed – up from 58 percent for the same period last year. While this percentage will decline as the final rush of April 15 tax returns are processed, the IRS expects for the first time to have more than half of all individual tax returns filed electronically.

“Even if it’s the last minute, taxpayers can use e-file and Free File to beat the April 15 deadline,” said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson. “E-file reduces the chances of making a last-minute mistake, and it gets refunds back in half the time of a paper return.”

As of April 6, 2005, the IRS accepted 4.16 million tax returns through the Free File program - a 44.2 percent increase from the same period last year (2.89 million). The IRS and a consortium of tax software manufacturers offer free services through Free File, which is available at IRS.gov. Free file is in its third year.

Record numbers of individuals are choosing to have their refunds directly deposited into their bank accounts. So far this year, more than 44 million refunds were paid through direct deposit up 5.9 percent for the same time last year.

Taxpayers who e-file and choose direct deposit get their refunds in half the time of those who file a paper return. Even paper filers, however, can get the benefit of direct deposit by choosing that option on their tax forms; they will get their refunds a week sooner than waiting for a paper check.

SOURCE: IRS.gov IR-2005-46, April 13, 2005

DeLay, House Sends Bankruptcy Bill to President Bush

DeLay: Stopping Abuse, Protecting Consumers; House Sends Bankruptcy Bill to President Bush for Signing

WASHINGTON – House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) today said the bankruptcy bill is another example of the farsighted and fair-minded reform agenda the House of Representatives has been passing for a decade. The House passed the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 by a vote of 302-126, sending the measure to President Bush to be signed into law.

“Every year, loopholes in America’s bankruptcy laws are abused, to the tune of tens of billions of dollars – costs that get passed on to consumers in higher prices and higher interest rates,” DeLay said. “Our bankruptcy protections, which have always been available to debtors as a last resort, have become just another part of financial planning for too many Americans.”

Over the last 15 years, bankruptcy filings have increased 150 percent. The bankruptcy bill, which has been negotiated in the House over the last eight years, acts to bring personal responsibility back to the bankruptcy laws, creating a truly need-based system.

“It isn’t enough to punish the abusers and protect the victims; we must develop a credit system that helps consumers manage their debt before they get in too deep,” DeLay added.

The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 includes debtor protections such as credit counseling, financial management courses, and greater clarity in credit card billing statements, while toughening the requirements for declaring bankruptcy in an effort to weed out fraud and abuse within the system.

SOURCE: Majority Leader : Tom DeLay

DeLay Congratulates Griffin on NASA Confirmation

DeLay Congratulates Griffin on NASA Confirmation, Welcomes Griffin’s Leadership, Expertise on New NASA Mission

WASHINGTON – House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) today congratulated the president’s nominee for NASA administrator, Dr. Michael Griffin, who was confirmed to lead the agency by a unanimous vote in the U.S. Senate.

“Michael Griffin is the right choice to lead NASA, and I am glad the Senate recognized that and completed the confirmation process so quickly,” DeLay said. “Now we can move on to fulfilling the vision President Bush, Dr. Griffin, and I all share – to send a man back to the moon and on to Mars.”

Last week DeLay met with Griffin to discuss legislative strategy to promote the president’s new vision and the importance of reaching out to the public on the important work NASA is doing and the need for the commercialization of space. During this meeting, both DeLay and Griffin committed to supporting one another’s efforts to promote human space flight.

“I look forward to touring the Johnson Space Center with Dr. Griffin and giving a big Texas welcome to NASA’s new leadership,” DeLay added.

DeLay represents Texas’ 22nd District, which encompasses suburban Houston and NASA's Johnson Space Center. SOURCE: TomDeLay.house.gov

Britney Spears Pregnant

BRITNEY NEWS

BRITNEY LINE all the Latest Britney News Updated 24/7/365 (Right click to open stories in new window)

JAMIE LYN NEWS AND PICTURES

Jamie Lyn Pregnant! VIDEO

www.flickr.com More Flickr photos tagged with jamie lynn spears

BRITNEY BIOGRAPHY AND PICTURES

www.flickr.com More photos tagged britneyspears

Britney Spears, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Britney Jean Spears (born December 2, 1981) is a Grammy Award-winning American pop singer, dancer, actress, author and songwriter. She is best known for her studio albums, music videos, and songs such as "...Baby One More Time" and "Oops!...I Did It Again". In the early 2000s, Spears's success as a singer led her way to high-profile advertising deals and endorsements, as well as forays into other forms of media, including film and reality television. Her third and fourth albums, Britney and In the Zone, were released during this era. In 2004, she married back-up dancer and aspiring rap artist Kevin Federline, and the following year she gave birth to their first son, Sean Preston. Their second son, Jayden James, was born in 2006. Spears filed for divorce from Federline on November 7, 2006 citing irreconcilable differences. Spears has sold over seventy-six million albums worldwide according to TIME magazine. The RIAA ranks Spears as the eighth best-selling female artist in American music history having sold 31 million albums. Childhood and discovery, Spears was born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised Southern Baptist in Kentwood, Louisiana. Her parents are James Parnell Spears, a building contractor, and Lynne Irene Bridges, a former grade school teacher. Spears's brother, Bryan, is one of her managers, and her sister, Jamie-Lynn, is an actress and singer. Her maternal grandmother, Lillian Woolmore, was an English war-bride, who met Spears's maternal grandfather, Barnett O'Field Bridges, in England during World War II, and subsequently moved with him to the US. Her paternal grandparents were June Austin Spears and Emma Jean Forbes. Spears was an accomplished gymnast, attending gymnastics classes until age nine and competing in state-level competitions. She performed in local dance revues and her local Baptist church choirs, and was auditioning for the Disney Channel's The New Mickey Mouse Club by the time she was eight. Although she was considered too young to join the series at the time, a producer on the show introduced her to a New York agent. Spears subsequently spent three summers at NYC's Professional Performing Arts School and also appeared in a number of off-Broadway productions, including 1991's Ruthless! In 1992 she landed a spot on Star Search, and though she won the first round, she lost in the second.[8] Spears then returned to the Disney Channel for a spot on the New Mickey Mouse Club and was accepted. She was featured in the 1993–94 seasons from the ages of 11–13. Other performers on the show included Justin Timberlake, and Joshua Chasez, who later became members of the pop group 'N Sync, Keri Russell, fellow pop singer Christina Aguilera, and actor Ryan Gosling. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article, Britney Spears.

Britney Spears performs on the National Mall. This image is a work of a sailor or employee of the U.S. Navy, taken or made during the course of the person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain.

Britney Spears, who was honored in Michael Moore's mock-u-mentary Fahrenheit 9/11 for her support of President Bush, and was reported by the Chicago Tribune as being courted by the GOP to perform at last years Republican National Convention is pregnant.

This release from Britney's official site, "The time has finally come to share our wonderful news that we are expecting our first child together, There are reports that I was in the hospital this weekend, and Kevin and I just want everyone to know that all is well. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers." SOURCE: Britney Spears The official site

BRITNEY'S MUSIC NOW AND THEN

This product's forum Customer Discussions Beta (What's this?) New! Receive e-mail when new posts are made. Click the "Track it!" button on any discussion page.

BRITNEY'S DISCOGRAPHY

Greatest Hits: My Prerogative Released: November 9, 2004 1. Deluxe CD Track List: 2. My Prerogative LISTEN 3. Toxic 4. I'm A Slave 4 U 5. Oops!...I Did It Again 6. Me Against the Music 7. Stronger 8. Everytime 9....Baby One More Time (You Drive Me) Crazy 10. Boys 11. Sometimes 12. Overprotected 13. Lucky 14. Outrageous 15. I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman 16. (I've Just Begun) Having My Fun (previously available only on European releases of the In the Zone DVD) 17. Do Somethin' (previously unlreleased) Bonus Tracks 18. Toxic 19. Everytime 20. Breathe On Me 21. Outrageous Chris Cox Megamix: ...Baby One More Time\ (You Drive Me) Crazy\ I'm A Slave 4 U \ Toxic\ Oops!...I Did It Again\ Stronger\ Everytime

HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGE

In The Zone Released: November 18, 2003 1. Me Against the Music (featuring Madonna) 2. (I Got That) Boom Boom (featuring Ying Yang Twins) 3. Showdown (featuring Ying Yang Twins) 4. Breathe On Me (featuring Ying Yang Twins) 5. Early Mornin' 6. Toxic LISTEN 7. Outrageous 8. Touch of My Hand 9. The Hook Up 10. Shadow 11. Brave New Girl 12. Everytime 13. Me Against the Music (featuring Madonna) Rishi Richs Desi Kulcha Remix

HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGE

Britney Released: November 6, 2001 1. I'm A Slave 4 U 2. Overprotected (Featured In "Crossroads") 3. Lonely 4. I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman (Featured In "Crossroads") 5. Boys 6. Anticipating 7. I Love Rock 'n' Roll (Featured In "Crossroads") 8. Cinderella 9. Let Me Be 10. Bombastic Love 11. That's Where You Take Me 12. What It's Like To Be Me

HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGE

Oops!... I Did It Again Released: May 16, 2000 1. Oops!...I Did It Again LISTEN 2. Stronger 3. Don't Go Knockin' On My Door 4. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction 5. Don't Let Me Be The Last To Know 6. What U See (Is What U Get) 7. Lucky 8. One Kiss From You 9. Where Are You Now 10. Can't Make You Love Me 11. When Your Eyes Say It 12. Dear Diary

HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGE

...Baby One More Time Released: January 12, 1999 1. Baby One More Time LISTEN 2. (You Drive Me) Crazy 3. Sometimes 4. Soda Pop 5. Born To Make You Happy 6. From the Bottom of My Broken Heart 7. I Will Be There 8. I Will Still Love You - Don Philip 9. Thinkin' About You 10. E-Mail My Heart 11. The Beat Goes On

HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGE

A Mother's Gift RC 52162, by Britney Spears and Lynne Spears, read by Nanette Savard, 1 cassette. Cassette Books 2002

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Library of Congress Washington 2002### Young Adults### Nonfiction

Fourteen-year-old singer Holly Faye Lovell shares a close relationship with her single mother, a seamstress in Biscay, Mississippi. When Holly wins a scholarship to a prestigious music school, she becomes embarrassed about her humble roots. Meanwhile Holly's mother considers revealing a secret. For junior and, senior high readers. Bestseller 2001.##

January 22, 2002, The Honorable John Ashcroft U.S. Attorney General, Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington DC 20530

The Honorable Michael K. Powell, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission, The Portals II, 445 12th Street SW Room 8B201 Washington DC 20554

Dear Attorney General Ashcroft and Chairman Powell:

According to numerous press reports, as well as first hand accounts by affected recording artists and copyright owners, Clear Channel’s consolidation of the radio and concert promotion industries has had a variety of negative repercussions on recording artists, copyright owners, and consumers. It has been reported that Clear Channel has “punished” recording artists, including Britney Spears, for their refusal to use its concert promotion service, Clear Channel Entertainment, by “burying” radio ads for their concerts and by refusing to play their songs on its radio stations. The consolidation of the radio industry also lends growing support to persistent allegations that record companies often must pay radio stations to play the music of their artists.

Respectfully, HOWARD L. BERMAN, Member of Congress Britney Spears site:.gov 6

Harper's Bazaar magazine Photo © 2002-2006 All rights reserved

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H2N2 Influenza Virus

WHO Statement on Distribution of a H2N2 Influenza Virus for Lab Testing

International response to the distribution of a H2N2 influenza
virus for laboratory testing: Risk considered low for laboratory workers and the public

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) informed WHO on 26 March that an influenza A/H2N2 virus was identified by a local laboratory in Canada. The H2N2 virus identified was found to be similar to H2N2 viruses that circulated in humans in 1957-58 at the beginning of the so-called Asian influenza pandemic. The H2N2 virus which circulated at this time was fully transmissible among humans. It continued to circulate in humans and cause annual epidemics until 1968, when it vanished after the emergence of influenza A/H3N2 viruses that caused the next pandemic. Therefore, persons born after 1968 are expected to have no or only limited immunity to H2N2. H2N2 virus is not contained in current trivalent influenza vaccines.

Appropriate biosafety measures were immediately taken at the involved laboratory in Canada and respiratory surveillance measures initiated. Subsequent investigation by the Public Health Agency of Canada traced the source of the H2N2 virus to a panel of proficiency testing samples containing influenza A and influenza B viruses which the Canadian laboratory received from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) in February 2005. CAP routinely sends various panels of proficiency testing samples to participating laboratories every year. Normally, currently circulating influenza A viruses (H3N2; H1N1) are used for proficiency testing. The H2N2 virus was distributed by CAP for the first time in October 2004.

WHO, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the USA and its Centers for Disease Control were informed of the situation by PHAC on 8 April. Subsequent investigation revealed that similar proficiency testing samples with H2N2 virus were sent to 3747 laboratories in 18 countries. Sixty one of these laboratories are located in 16 countries outside the USA and Canada. HHS has recently learnt that other proficiency testing providers have sent additional H2N2 containing samples to further laboratories in the USA. HHS is taking steps to ensure the rapid destruction of this material.

On 8 April, after a request by the US government, CAP asked all laboratories which participated in the proficiency testing to immediately destroy samples containing the H2N2 virus. On 12 April, a second correspondence from CAP to these laboratories further requested that destruction of the H2N2 virus be confirmed and that any case of respiratory disease among laboratory workers be investigated and notified to national authorities. WHO has received the list of addresses of the involved laboratories and has provided detailed contact information to the relevant Ministries of Health and requested their collaboration.

As of today, there have been no reports of H2N2 infections in laboratory workers associated with the distribution of the H2N2 samples from CAP. The proper use of biological safety cabinets, along with the use of recommended personal protective equipment, greatly reduces the risk of laboratory-acquired influenza infections. While a few H2N2 laboratory acquired infections have been documented in the past, the likelihood of laboratory-acquired influenza infection is considered low when proper biosafety precautions are followed. The risk for the general population is also considered low.

As a precautionary measure, WHO is recommending that all samples of the proficiency testing panel from CAP and any other proficiency testing providers containing H2N2 and any derivates be destroyed immediately. WHO further recommends that biosafety procedures be reviewed for use on influenza viruses that have not circulated recently in humans and against which the majority of the population would have no protective immunity. SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

SEC INSTITUES ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST 20 FORMER NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE SPECIALISTS ALLEGING

SEC INSTITUES ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST 20 FORMER NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE SPECIALISTS ALLEGING PERVASIVE COURSE OF FRAUDULENT TRADING

Respondents Include Two Former CEOs of Spear Leeds & Kellogg Specialists and Four Former Members of Van der Moolen Specialist's Management Committee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2005-54 SOURCE: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C., April 12, 2005 – The Securities and Exchange Commission today instituted administrative and cease-and-desist proceedings against 20 former New York Stock Exchange specialists for fraudulent and other improper trading practices. In the Order Instituting Proceedings, the Division of Enforcement alleges that between 1999 and mid-2003 these specialists pervasively executed proprietary orders for their firms' proprietary accounts ahead of executable public customer or "agency" orders that were placed through the NYSE electronic trading system, known as the "DOT" system. Through these transactions, these specialists violated their basic obligation not to fill customer orders through trades from their firms' proprietary accounts when those customer orders could be matched with other customer orders.

Stephen M. Cutler, Director of the Commission's Division of Enforcement, said: "These individuals violated the public trust by abusing the privileged position they had as specialists on the New York Stock Exchange. We have zero tolerance for specialists who trade for their firm's proprietary account when they should be trading for the accounts of their customers."

Mark K. Schonfeld, Director of the Commission's Northeast Regional Office, stated, "These specialists took advantage of the very customers they had an obligation to serve. Their unlawful actions hurt the trading public and undermined confidence in the capital markets. We will hold the individuals who engaged in such fraudulent proprietary trading accountable for their actions."

The Division of Enforcement alleges that the named specialists abandoned one of their most basic obligations, the obligation to refrain from trading from a specialist's proprietary account when customer buy and sell orders could have simply been paired off with one another. Instead of doing so, these specialists treated customer orders that should have been paired off as personal trading opportunities, often to the detriment of customer orders. The fraudulent conduct took at least two forms: "interpositioning" and "trading ahead." In the first form of trading, the specialists "interpositioned" their firms' proprietary accounts between two customer orders by trading into both customer orders in succession – for example, buying into a customer sell order first, and then selling, at a higher price, into the opposite market buy order. In this fashion, the specialists were able to make guaranteed, riskless profits for their firms' proprietary accounts at the expense of customer orders. In the second form of trading, the specialist filled one agency order through a proprietary trade for the specialist firm's proprietary account – and thereby improperly "stepped in front" of, or "traded ahead" of, the other agency order – simply to allow the specialist firm to take advantage of market conditions promptly. By "trading ahead," the specialist locked in a better price for the proprietary trade, and then later filled the agency order at an inferior price, thus disadvantaging the agency order. The 20 specialists charged in this action committed thousands of these illicit trades, causing customer losses in the millions of dollars between 1999 and 2003.

The order also charges that several of the specialists engaged in particularly egregious conduct. For example, in several instances of "interpositioning," the specialists not only disadvantaged both a buy and a sell order, but also moved the price up or down from the last sale price to further advantage the specialist firm's proprietary account. In other instances, several of the specialists punctuated their improper trading with statements such as "f—k the DOTs" and "screw the DOTs" as they were in fact disadvantaging agency orders.

The action charges the following former specialists.

Fleet Specialist, Inc.

David A. Finnerty, age 38, resides in Weehawken, N..J.

Donald R. Foley II , age 44, resides in Darien, Conn.

Scott G. Hunt, age 36, resides in Campbell Hall, N.Y.

Thomas J. Murphy, age 41, resides in Rockville Center, N.Y.

Bear Wagner Specialists LLC (Bear Wagner)

Kevin M. Fee, age 37, resides in Ridgewood, N.J. Fee is currently employed as a managing director at Bear Wagner, working at Bear Wagner's proprietary trading desk.

Frank A. Delaney IV, age 42, resides in Bay Head, N.J. Delaney is currently employed as a managing director at Bear Wagner, working at Bear Wagner's proprietary trading desk.

LaBranche & Co. LLC

Freddy DeBoer, age 43, formerly of Southport, Conn., is believed to reside currently in the Netherlands.

Spear Leeds & Kellogg Specialists LLC (Spear Leeds)

Todd J. Christie, 40, resides in Morris Township, N.J. During the relevant period, Christie served as Spear Leeds' Chief Executive Officer.

James V. Parolisi, age 42, resides in Massapequa, N.Y.

Robert W. Luckow, age 57, resides in Wyckoff, N.J. Luckow served as Spear Leeds' co-Chief Executive Officer during the relevant period.

Patrick E. Murphy, age 45, resides in Monmouth Beach, N.J.

Robert A. Johnson, Jr., age 40, resides in Freehold, N.J.
Van der Moolen Specialists USA, LLC (Van der Moolen)

Patrick J. McGagh, Jr., age 39, resides in Little Silver, N.J. McGagh served on Van der Moolen's management committee during the relevant period.

Joseph Bongiorno, age 50, resides in Brooklyn, N.Y. Bongiorno served on Van der Moolen's management committee during the relevant period.

Michael J. Hayward, age 51, resides in Ramsey, N.J. Hayward served on Van der Moolen's management committee during the relevant period.

Richard P. Volpe, age 45, resides in Port Washington, N.Y.

Michael F. Stern, age 54, resides in New Canaan, Conn. Stern served on Van der Moolen's management committee during the relevant period.

Warren E. Turk, age 36, resides in New York, N.Y.

Gerard T. Hayes, age 44, resides in Easton, Conn.

Robert A. Scavone, age 45, resides in Franklin Lakes, N.J.

The Division of Enforcement alleges that through their fraudulent trading, the specialists willfully violated Section 17(a) of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 11(b) of the Exchange Act, and Rules 10b-5 and 11b-1 thereunder, and Rules 104, 92, 123B, and 401 of the New York Stock Exchange. The proceedings will determine what relief is in the public interest against the specialists, including disgorgement, pre-judgment interest, civil penalties, and other remedial relief.

Last year, the Commission brought settled enforcement actions against all seven specialist firms operating on the New York Stock Exchange in connection with unlawful proprietary trading at the firms. Those enforcement actions resulted in payments to date of over $243 million in disgorgement and penalty payments, which have been placed in fair funds to be distributed to customers disadvantaged by improper specialist trading. See In the Matter of Bear Wagner Specialists LLC, Rel. No. 34-49498 (March 30, 2004); In the Matter of Fleet Specialist, Inc., Rel. No. 34-49499 (March 30, 2004); In the Matter of LaBranche & Co. LLC, Rel. No. 34-49500 (March 30, 2004); In the Matter of Spear, Leeds & Kellogg Specialists LLC, Rel. No. 34-49501 (March 30, 2004); In the Matter of Van der Moolen Specialists USA, LLC, Rel. No. 34-49502 (March 30, 2004); In the Matter of SIG Specialists, Inc., Rel. No. 34-50076 (July 26, 2004); In the Matter of Performance Specialist Group LLC, Rel. No. 34-50075 (July 26, 2004).

The staff acknowledges the assistance of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the NYSE Division of Enforcement in this matter.

The Commission's investigation of individual misconduct is continuing. # # #

Contact Persons: Mark K. Schonfeld, Regional Director, Northeast Regional Office, (646) 428-1650, David Rosenfeld, Associate Regional Director, Northeast Regional Office, (646) 428-1869, David A. Markowitz, Assistant Regional Director, Northeast Regional Office, (646) 428-1806

Crown Prince Abdallah to Texas

President to Welcome Crown Prince Abdallah to Texas

President Bush will welcome Crown Prince Abdallah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to his ranch in Crawford, Texas on April 25, 2005. The President looks forward to discussing with Crown Prince Abdallah a wide range of key bilateral and regional issues, including the President's efforts to promote democratic reform, achieve peace in the Middle East, and win the war on terrorism.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 13, 2005

International Convention Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism

International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism

The United States welcomes the UN General Assembly’s unanimous adoption April 13 of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. Along with the twelve existing international terrorism conventions and protocols, the Nuclear Terrorism Convention will strengthen the international legal framework to combat terrorism. The Convention will provide a legal basis for international cooperation in the investigation, prosecution, and extradition of those who commit terrorist acts involving radioactive material or a nuclear device.

President Bush and Russian President Putin called for early adoption of this Convention in their February 24 joint statement on Nuclear Security Cooperation. The United States is pleased that United Nations Member States have demonstrated a seriousness of purpose and worked together in a multilateral setting to conclude the Nuclear Terrorism Convention. It is the first counter-terrorism convention adopted by the General Assembly since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We call on Member States to build on the success of this effort and to work cooperatively to conclude the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

With the adoption by consensus today of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, the United Nations has sent an undeniably clear signal that the international community will not tolerate those who threaten or commit terrorist acts involving radioactive material or nuclear devices.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/407 Released on April 13, 2005 Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC April 13, 2005

Resignation Lebanese Prime Minister Karami

Resignation of Prime Minister Karami, Secretary Condoleezza Rice Washington, DC April 13, 2005

Today's resignation of Prime Minister Karami presents an opportunity to move forward. We urge that the will of the Lebanese people be respected; specifically, that a new government be formed as quickly as possible and that parliamentary elections be held by the end of May. Further delays are unnecessary. Lebanon must be allowed to determine its own future, free of intimidation and all foreign interference. The Lebanese people deserve a government capable of leading them forward and ensuring their future security, stability, and economic prosperity.

We expect the consultative process required to form a new cabinet will take place immediately.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/405 Released on April 13, 2005

President Martin Torrijos of the Republic of Panama

Visit by President Torrijos of Panama

President Bush will welcome President Martin Torrijos of the Republic of Panama to the White House on April 28, 2005. The President looks forward to discussing with President Torrijos the common interest Panama and the United States have in improving security, strengthening democracy, and expanding economic opportunity in the hemisphere. The meeting is a reflection of the close cooperation between our nations and the strength of our bilateral relationship.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 13, 2005 Statement by the Press Secretary

Congolese Government Negotiates with FDLR

Statement on Congolese Government's Negotiations with FDLR

The United States congratulates and welcomes the recent renunciation of arms and condemnation of genocide and terrorism by the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda (FDLR) rebels. In a broad effort of negotiations between the FDLR and President Joseph Kabila's Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the FDLR has committed to voluntary disarmament and indicates a willingness to repatriate to Rwanda. We believe that the sentiments that are expressed in the FDLR's declaration reflect the views of a substantial majority of the FDLR.

We urge the FDLR to demonstrate their commitment to peace by turning over all their arms to the United Nations Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUC). After voluntary disarmament, the FDLR should proceed without delay with plans for rapid repatriation of the combatants and families through close cooperation with the Governments of the DRC and Rwanda, with assistance from MONUC. Furthermore, we look to Rwanda, as well as the United Nations and international organizations, to work with the DRC and FDLR to ensure the expeditious repatriation of FDLR members and their families.

The United States looks forward to working closely with all parties to further our shared interest of building a world in which all peoples can live in peace, freedom, and dignity.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 12, 2005