World News Briefs -- September 26, 2011

More falls: The FTSE 100 index of leading shares opened down 2 per cent this morning on news that the IMF is paving the way for Greece to default on its debt

Markets Set For Rollercoaster Ride As IMF Works On £2.6 Trillion Eurozone Bailout Plan To Allow Greece To Default 'On Half Its Debts' -- Daily Mail

* FTSE opens down 90 points but then rallies as investors speculate on plan
* Current threat 'worse than crisis in 2008'

Stock markets across the world are set for a period of further volatility as details of the IMF's plan to save the European single currency emerge.

Greece could be allowed to default on up to 50 per cent of its debts as part of the £2.6 trillion plan, it has been claimed, in news that has left investors jumpy.

This morning the FTSE 100 Index opened below 5000, after a drop of more than 90 points, but later recovered to stand 52 points higher at 5118.7.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Yemen leader Ali Abdullah Saleh calls for early polls. Saleh addresses nation, calls for Yemen elections.

UN Security Council to consider Palestinian membership.

Analysis: Leaderless Iranian opposition seen lacking strategy.

Four Blasts Kill 17 in Iraq's Kerbala.

Erdogan: Turkey-Iran to continue efforts against Kurdish rebels.

Saudi women get right to vote, but can't drive yet.

ASIA

Pakistan will not attack Haqqani group, defying U.S-report. Pakistan refuses to battle Haqqani network.

Gunman who attacked CIA office in Kabul was U.S. Embassy employee.

China, DPRK premiers vow to bolster economic ties.

China warns Dalai Lama about choosing successor.

Rains, flooding kill dozens in north, east India.

AFRICA

Former rebels’ rivalries hold up governing in Libya. Analysis: Libya's last battle may be its toughest.

More than 1,200 bodies found in Tripoli mass grave.

Somali militants in key port 'attacked by US drones'.

General given easy ride in Mubarak trial: Lawyers.

EUROPE

French left seizes Senate majority, hurts Sarkozy.

Greek police fire teargas at protesters in Athens.

Russia skeptics proven right as Putin set to take top spot again.

Russian finance chief publicly objects to leader swap.

The last Ole! Bullfighting comes to an end in Catalonia.

AMERICAS

Shutdown looms: Spotlight now on Senate after Boehner wrangled House GOP votes. Disaster aid or disaster in making?

Freed US hikers describe harrowing ordeal in Iran.

NYPD chief: Police could take down plane if needed.

As gangs move in on Mexico’s schools, teachers say ‘enough’.

Jamaica’s beleaguered leader to step down.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.K.: Six charged with terrorism offences.

Hezbollah leader could get military tribunal in US.

Report: Pentagon to beam war crimes trials to U.S. soil.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Geithner Plan for Europe is last chance to avoid global catastrophe.

IMF to increase resources to more than $1 trillion: report.

Christine Lagarde: IMF may need billions in extra funding.

'Massive jobs shortfall' predicted for global economy.