French banks have agreed in principle to a rollover of Greek debt on condition that all creditors do the same, Britain's Financial Times reported on its website on Friday. The FT, citing unnamed people with knowledge of the negotiations, said the banks had agreed to subscribe to new issues of Greek sovereign debt to replace
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European paymaster Germany stuck to its guns on Friday in demanding that private investors contribute to a second bailout for Greece despite a European Central Bank warning against triggering market turmoil. Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble urged parliament to back additional aid for the heavily indebted euro zone country but said private creditor participation in a
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The Greek government defended its new austerity package from attacks in parliament on Friday, saying it was the only way to stave off bankruptcy, and made a new call for opposition parties to back the plan. Prime Minister George Papandreou's plan almost doubles the belt-tightening measures for 2011 already agreed with the International Monetary Fund
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Cyprus's Central Bank cut its growth forecast for the island's economy to 1.4% in 2011 on Friday from a previous 1.8%, saying flat growth in the first quarter was weaker than expected. In a bi-annual report, the Central Bank said it expected an economic recovery to gather pace in 2012, with gross domestic product expected
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To the likely delight of nagging parents, a new study shows that people who eat more fruit and veggies tend to live longer. Plants from the mustard family — including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower — seem particularly beneficial, although the study can't prove that eating more vegetables automatically increases longevity.
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– 10-year bond yield rises sharply to 7 pct area – Cyprus fairly well placed to absorb Greek impact on banks – But markets also worry about delays to fiscal reforms – Can rely on domestic investors to buy bonds for some time – But cannot stay out of international market indefinitely Tiny Cyprus may become
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– Trichet may want to shape fiscal reform of euro zone – But ECB made U-turn over bond buying last year – Carrying out threat would be politically difficult – Compromise might be found short of Schaeuble's proposal Just over a year ago, European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet was asked whether the bank would consider
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. Abolishing Women’s Ministry Harms Women’s Rights Efforts The Turkish government’s changes to the current Ministry for Women and Family is a step backward in its struggle to combat gender inequality and violence against women, Human Rights Watch said today. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan announced that the “Ministry for Women and Family” will be
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* Refugees flee to Turkey; "Armed gangs" killed security personnel * The Syrian army began a military operation in a restive town near the Turkish border, state television said on Friday, as the country braced for more violent protests against the rule of President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian government said earlier that "armed gangs" killed more
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German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble appealed in parliament on Friday for support for a new rescue package for Greece involving private creditors, saying a disorderly default could have a disastrous impact on markets. Schaeuble also said in speech to lawmakers that the situation in Greece and in Europe was serious and demanded that Greece make
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