International

Friday, May 7th 2010 - 03:33 UTC
French Navy Locates Black Box from Air France that Plunged into the Atlantic

The French navy has located the black box flight recorders from the Air France (EPA:AF) jet which plunged into the Atlantic killing 228 people last summer. However, officials said there was still no guarantee the recorders—that could explain the cause of the crash—would ever be brought to the surface.
Friday, May 7th 2010 - 00:47 UTC
Greek Contagion Threatens South Europe and UK Banks Warns Rating Agency

Banks in the United Kingdom and Europe risk their credit ratings being damaged because of “contagion” from Greece's debt crisis, a ratings agency has warned. Moody's said banking systems faced “very real, common threats” if doubts were raised about their governments' abilities to pay debts. It referred specifically to UK, Irish, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish banking systems.
Friday, May 7th 2010 - 00:38 UTC
Greece Shocked by Riot Deaths; Parliament Approves Draconian Saving Reforms

Greece's parliament approved Thursday the hefty cuts and reforms proposed by the government to address the country's financial crisis. Members voted 172-121 to pass the bill, which includes tax rises and cuts in pensions and public sector bonuses. Police used tear gas to disperse protestors who rallied outside. On Wednesday, three bank workers died in a petrol bomb attack as demonstrations over the planned austerity measures turned violent.
Thursday, May 6th 2010 - 19:34 UTC
France Warns EC on Possible Resumption of Negotiations with Mercosur

After the European Commission proposed the resumption of negotiations with Mercosur, France released a warning message to the European Commission and assured that—if the talks are reactivated—both French and European agriculture would be in danger of a potential damage.
Thursday, May 6th 2010 - 03:00 UTC
Bad Signal: Spanish Government and Opposition Remain on Collision Course

The Spanish government and opposition made on Wednesday an attempt to join forces against the country's economic crisis amid international concern that Spain could be heading for a Greek-style meltdown.
Thursday, May 6th 2010 - 02:33 UTC
Taiwan and China Open Tourism Offices in Beijing and Taipei

Taiwan set up its first government office in China this week sending a strong sign of improved relations following decades of hostilities that saw little official contact while the two sides stood at the brink of war.
Thursday, May 6th 2010 - 00:20 UTC
Greenpeace Condemns Spain's Fishing “Armada” for Plundering World Oceans

Spain's fishing fleet, Europe's largest, is using massive European Union (EU) subsidies to “plunder” the oceans of the world, environmental group Greenpeace charged this week.
Wednesday, May 5th 2010 - 23:53 UTC
UK Hung Parliament, 43% or Tories, 36% Anticipates The Guardian/ICM Poll

All three British main parties will have reason to be disappointed if the Guardian/ICM eve-of-poll survey is reflected in election results Thursday night. The Conservatives are set to fall well short of the convincing majority that, not long ago, seemed within their grasp. Labour faces one of its lowest votes of modern times and the Liberal Democrats may fail to make their hoped-for breakthrough to second place.
Wednesday, May 5th 2010 - 23:03 UTC
European Farmers up in Arms Against Resumption of EU/Mercosur Talks

France’s main farmers’ organization, FNSEA, called Wednesday on President Nicolas Sarkozy to pressure upon the European Community to impede the re-launching of negotiations for a free trade agreement with Mercosur
Wednesday, May 5th 2010 - 21:28 UTC
Fresh Volcanic Ash Cloud Delay Hundreds of Flights in Scotland and Ireland

Thousands of passengers are facing long delays after airports in Scotland and Ireland closed because of a fresh cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland. Flights have been grounded in Glasgow, Prestwick and Derry since 0700 BST, while the airspace over Dublin, Belfast and Edinburgh has also since closed.