Greeks say country being bled dry

How much more austerity can the Greek population bear? The Greek parliament has approved a new package of belt-tightening measures needed to earn the country a second EU/IMF bailout, this time worth 130 billion euros. Yet amidst the riots and protests that have raged in Athens, Greeks say their living standards have been degraded, and that the cutbacks have sounded Greece's death knell.

FOCUS

15/04/2013 - FRANCE

French ministers ordered to publicly declare private assets

The first public list of French government ministers' private assets was revealed on Monday. Senior politicians now have to declare what they own, including property, vehicles, shares and other valuables. It comes as President François Hollande tries to reverse his falling popularity and regain voter confidence, after his budget minister Jérôme Cahuzac was forced to admit that he'd lied about having offshore bank accounts.

15/04/2013 - FOCUS

Religious violence threatens democratic transition in Burma

It was long a hermit state cut off from the rest of the world by military junta that controlled its people. Now Burma is opening up to democracy and it has been welcomed into the international community. But inter-ethnic tensions within are threatening the peace and security of thousands. Violence between ethnic Muslim and Buddhist communities has seen many killed and forced thousands to flee their homes.

05/04/2013 - CUBA

Cuban dissident begins first world tour after travel ban is lifted

Cuban dissident Yoani Sanchez has begun her first world tour. The author of a blog critical of the Cuban government, the young woman has in just a few years become the leading symbol of Cuban dissidence. This year, for the first time, Sanchez obtained permission to leave the country under a broad relaxation of travel restrictions. She is preparing a tour of Europe and Latin America, but her most anticipated visit was to Miami.

04/04/2013 - BRAZIL

Brazil's social housing programme turns two million into homeowners

In 2009, Brazil embarked on an ambitious social housing programme. Its aim was to turn two million poor families into homeowners. While the project has already changed the lives of millions, its long-term success is now being questioned. Observers say the programme could fail in the long term because the key question of location is being overlooked.

02/04/2013 - SPAIN

Barcelona authorities aim to fund drug 'shooting galleries' despite cutbacks

Despite generalised cutbacks, the authorities in Barcelona still want to fund injection centres which have reduced deaths from drug overdoses by 40 percent since their introduction twelve years ago. In Spain, these units have the general backing of all political parties. However, in Barcelona, the conservative party now thinks it is time the centres are moved away from commercial and residential areas.

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