Thursday, May 31, 2012

World News Briefs -- May 31, 2012 (Evening Edition)

The ECB could quite easily have taken all sovereign debt risk off the table, in the same way as the Bank of England has in the UK, by mopping up bonds without limit. Photo: Reuters

Euro Is Facing Disintegration, Commission Warns -- The Telegraph

The euro faces 'disintegration' unless European governments do much more to work together, the European Commission has warned.

Olli Rehn, the economics commissioner, gave the warning as Mario Draghi, the head of the European Central Bank, criticised national leaders for a “lack of action” to help the single currency out of its crisis.

Spain remained at the eye of the financial storm yesterday, amid continuing fears for its banking sector.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria set to become failed state: Israeli commander.

UN chief gives 'Syria civil war' warning.

Syria: rebel army issues ultimatum on UN ceasefire. Activists: Syrian troops shell Houla, site of last week's civilian massacre.

Syria military intervention would engulf Israel.

Worse case scenario in Syria.

Israel returns the remains of Palestinian bodies.

Iran cancels $2 billion dam deal with China: report.

Israeli leaders skeptical of new diplomatic efforts on Iran nuclear program.

Enrichment 'not a step towards a bomb': Ahmadinejad. Cleanup at Iran's Parchin site?

UN: Iraqi rights situation still raises 'serious' concerns.

Deadly blasts rock Baghdad.

Migrant hunting, smuggling on Yemen-Saudi border.

ASIA

China begins new round of stimulus, with caution.

Internal reports highlight threats to Afghan police force.

"Hundreds detained" in Tibet after self-immolations.

Court: Pakistani Dr. jailed for militant ties, not helping CIA.

Kashmir rebel attack wounds 7 Indian soldiers.

Mass strikes across India over fuel prices.

AFRICA

Nepal forms caretaker government pending new elections.

Egypt election outcome makes economic challenge tougher.

Kenya military says it has captured southern Somali town; 17 al-Shabab said killed.

DR Congo army mutineers sentenced to death in absentia.

Nigeria gets foreign aid to fight Boko Haram.

Sudan, South Sudan peace talks yield progress slow.

Outrage as Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe is honoured by UN as a 'leader for tourism'.

Report: Gunmen kidnap 2 U.S. tourists in Egypt's Sinai region.

Days before Mubarak verdict, sons charged with insider trading.

Adoption from Africa: Concern over 'dramatic rise'.

EUROPE

Pope's top aide at centre of Vatican furor.

Spain faces 'total emergency' as fear grips markets. Investors flee Spain as financial crisis spirals.

Fears for european banks as Greek depositors withdraw money.

Irish voting in fiscal pact referendum.

Moody's downgrades Danske, other Danish banks.

White House shrugs off Polish apology demands.

AMERICAS

Bolivian politician takes refuge at Brazilian embassy.

John Edwards walks free after chaotic end to corruption trial.

Report: Chavez's cancer has 'entered the end stage'.

FARC ready for peace or war, says French reporter.

Reporter criticizes FARC for release as propaganda.

Mexico cartel drops aerial leaflets against gov't.

Mexican cartel declares war on Cheetos. Mexico protects PepsiCo subsidiary after attacks.

Quebec government under pressure as Canada's 'casseroles protests' expand.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaeda fighters clash with Yemeni troops.

Azerbaijan 'arrested 40 and seized assault rifles and grenades as it thwarted planned terror attacks on Eurovision'.

Obama's drone war in Yemen may be Al Qaeda's best recruitment tool ever.

Pentagon: Al-Qaida still enjoys Afghan haven.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Time bomb? Banks pressured to buy government debt.

Morgan Stanley CEO defends Facebook IPO conduct.

Virgin Galactic cleared for rocket-powered test flights.

Oil set for biggest monthly drop in three years on debt crisis.

Gold poised for worst monthly run in 13 years on European crisis.

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