World News Briefs -- March 12, 2010 (Evening Edition)

Greece Debt: EU Agrees Bailout Deal -- The Guardian

Exclusive: Germany plays pivotal role in potential eurozone rescue package for Greek debts

The eurozone has agreed a multibillion-euro bailout for Greece as part of a package to shore up the single currency after weeks of crisis, the Guardian has learnt.

Senior sources in Brussels said that Berlin had bowed to the bailout agreement despite huge resistance in Germany and that the finance ministers of the "eurozone" – the 16 member states including Greece who use the euro – are to finalise the rescue package on Monday. The single currency's rulebook will also be rewritten to enforce greater fiscal discipline among members.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq PM uses early lead to pursue new govt allies.

UN sees no indication of widespread fraud in Iraq election.

In early tally, tight Iraq race deepens splits.

Israel seals off West Bank to prevent unrest.

Despite Biden's plea, outlook shaky for Mideast peace talks.

Turkey protests Swedish genocide vote.

ASIA

At least 25 dead, thousands evacuated in Kazakh floods.

Putin visit seals Russian arms, nuclear deals with India. India and Russia build ties with pacts.

Twin suicide bombings kill scores in Pakistani city.

Thailand braces for massive political protests.

South Korea ‘on track’ to take wartime command.

AFRICA

Gambia row over wave of arrests.

Red Cross: Zimbabwe back to brink of food crisis.

U.N. to end some deals for food to Somalia.

Christian aid worker purge? Morocco orders dozens in five cities to be deported.

Mogadishu residents told to leave Somali capital.

EUROPE

Western Europe criticized in State Department's annual human rights report.

Sarkozy braced for poll defeat as angry French voters look to the left.

Nicolas Sarkozy to meet UK party leaders.

Greek protests turn violent; strike cripples services.

As Athens protests, Germany scoffs over Greece debt bailout.

Pope in talks with top German bishop over sex abuse.

AMERICAS

Damage from Chilean quake estimated to be $30 billion.

Aftershocks jolt Chile as new President is sworn in.

Venezuela murder-rate quadrupled under Chavez -NGO.

Cuba hunger strikes stir ire.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Behind Obama's wavering on terror trials, critics see politics.

NJ man linked to al Qaeda worked at US nuclear plants.

Some U.S. officials see a growing Taliban-Al Qaeda rift.

Portuguese police arrest ETA suspect.

Holder did not disclose briefs on ‘enemy combatant’.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Leave yuan to us, China tells Obama.

New York ties with London for finance crown.

Web will be 'critical' revenue source for Times: publisher.

FedEx warns on US recovery.