Friday, April 23, 2010

World News Briefs -- April 23, 2010

Greek demonstrators scuffle with riot police outside the Finance ministry
Photo: AFP/Getty Images


Greece Calls For Activation Of Financial Rescue Package -- New York Times

The Greek government formally requested an international funding package Friday aimed at pulling the euro-zone member out of a debt crisis.

Prime Minister George Papandreou announced on Greek television the activation of up to €45 billion, or $60 billion, in loans expected from the European Union and International Monetary Fund, Reuters reported.

The European Commission, the European Central Bank and the IMF have been holding talks in Athens to finalize the terms of the aid package. The talks are expected to be completed next week.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

U.S. sees sanctions by May; Iran lobbies against West.

Israel again rejects call to halt settlement construction.

Mitchell meets Barak in latest bid to restart peace talks.

Iran war games begin with new 'ultra fast' speed boats.

ASIA

Thai police confront red shirts after grenade attack. Bangkok explosions stoke fears of wider violence.

Bakiyev says Russian anger a factor in Kyrgyz revolt.

South Korea won't retaliate alone for ship sinking.

N.Korea seizes S.Korean assets, warns of war.

Nato ministers consider Afghanistan pull-out plan.

AFRICA

Rwandan opposition leader Ingabire released on bail.

Nigeria's budget hopes for bullish oil production.

When (short) tyrants meet: Mugabe welcomes Ahmadinejad to Zimbabwe.

EUROPE

Britain's election race tightens after second TV debate.

Belgian government collapses after party quits coalition.

Bosnia and Herzegovina makes critical step toward NATO.

Merkel tries to beat back opposition to Afghanistan.

Terror bomb attack at Northern Ireland police station.

Air traffic in Europe expected at normal levels.

AMERICAS

Mexico nabs top drug suspect who carries $2 million bounty.

Ecological risk grows as Deepwater Horizon oil rig sinks in Gulf.

Ex-General: Cubans involved in Chavez's military.

Paraguay President wants military rule in north.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Iraq reports arrest of al-Qaeda mastermind of '09 bombings.

Factbox: Al Qaeda and the Mideast: Government views.

Ex-Bin Laden bodyguard writes against Qaeda.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

G-20 officials convene for talks on global economy.

Greece asks for EU-IMF bailout.

Democrats set showdown vote on Wall Street bill.

No comments: