Cruise ship captain testifies that his route was 'standard practice'

In the papers today, the captain of the capsized Italian cruise ship testifies that he took a "standard" route normally accepted by the coast guard, suggesting culpability could go beyond him. Also, US hawks are urged to abandon talk of attacking Iran, there's yet another return to the war of words between the UK and Argentina over the Falklands, and the Huffington Post comes to France - you'll never guess who is at the helm.

IN THE PAPERS

By Elena CASAS

Corriere Della Sera has a shocking exclusive story about the captain of the capsized cruise ship, who testified to having followed the same route as he always does, which is standard practice for the cruise liner, and known by the coast guard. He says he simply turned too soon. The Daily Beast writes about the 'daredevil captain,' as does the New York Times.

The Atlantic warns conservative hawks in the US not to press the case for attacking Iran. Experts say to be careful what you wish for: a different regime would not necessarily bring about a different Iran.

Just when you thought things had settled down in the Falklands, Britain announces it is ready to reinforce the island garrison, and Prime Minister David Cameron accuses Argentina of colonialism.

The Huffington Post is coming to France, and Anne Sinclair is going to be its editor. She's a veteran journalist, but what has set tongues wagging is the fact that she is also the wife of Dominique Strauss-Kahn. Could that pose problems in Huff Po's coverage of the headline-prone former IMF chief?

12/05/2010 - French Press Review

Patrick Vieira “humiliated” by Domenech

Several French papers lead with the selection of France’s football squad for the World Cup. Raymond Domenech has been criticised for choosing a larger squad than promised and thus hedging his bets. The other big story is the opening of the Cannes Film Festival tonight with bad weather and a certain volcanic cloud threatening proceedings. WEDNESDAY, 12th MAY 2010

11/05/2010 - International Press Review

Right-leaning British papers condemn a Labour “coup”

The British papers are all carrying political obituaries of Gordon Brown today after his announcement that he would step down this autumn. While some, like The Independent, are positive about the move, others see it as a cynical attempt to keep the Tories out of government. This and other stories in today’s international papers: TUESDAY, 11th MAY 2010

11/05/2010 - French Press Review

“Historic aid package, euphoric markets”

The European aid package is on the front page of most French papers with Le Figaro and Libération being largely positive while business paper La Tribune wonders if this amounts to “digging one hole to fill another”. This and other stories in today’s French press review: TUESDAY, 11th MAY, 2010