Fears grow over possible Greek default

The IMF has told Greece it needs better tax collection and further reforms to deal with its massive debt. This warning comes as Athens continues talks with the IMF, EU and ECB over the next 8-billion-euro slice of its bailout money - which it needs by next month to avoid defaulting on its debt. Some analysts say a default is now inevitable - not something that European leaders want to hear.

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FINANCIAL CRISIS

On September 15, 2008, Lehman Brothers went bankrupt, victims of the subprime crisis and excessive risk-taking. Exactly one year after the scandal, former employees reflect on the fall and its consequences.

11/09/2009 - SPAIN

Abortion debate splits country in two

As Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero presses ahead with plans to make abortion legal in Spain, the stage is set for another showdown between reformists and a conservative camp fired up by the Catholic Church.

10/09/2009 - FRANCE

Sarkozy makes case for carbon tax

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has unveiled plans to levy a carbon tax on consumption of oil, gas and coal, set at 17 euros per tonne of CO2 emitted. But his call for urgent action to tackle global warming is yet to win over a sceptical public.

10/09/2009 - VENEZUELA

Chavez, a unique and controversial figure

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez is nothing if not a controversial figure. Having just completed a world tour meeting allies of Venezuela, Chavez continues to stir up opposition at home and in the US, though popularity polls give him 57 percent.

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LEBANON

Salah Ezzedine, the Lebanese 'Madoff' ?

When a big cheque written by Salah Ezzedine, a Lebanese businessman known for his connections with Hezbollah, bounced, it prompted an investigation into a Bernard Madoff-type fraud. But in Ezzedine's hometown, people don't want to believe it.