No renegotiation of Greek austerity cuts: Germany

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    Shane Todd's family abandoning coroner's inquiry

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German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle ruled out any renegotation of Greece's budget austerity programme in an interview published on Saturday.

"I see desires emerging in Greece to renegotiate and substantially question the country's obligations to carry out reforms. I have to say simply, that will not do. It is a Rubicon that we are not going to cross," Westerwelle told the daily Bild.

He called on Athens to clearly demonstrate that it wanted to remain in the eurozone. "Greece must not just say that it wants to stay in the eurozone, but must also implement a clear policy of reforms and keep its commitments," he added.

On Wednesday Greece's Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras admitted the crisis-hit country still had "some way to go" to finalise 11.5 billion euros ($14 billion) in spending cuts demanded by its EU-IMF creditors in return for fresh loans.

Auditors from the European Union, International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank -- the so-called troika of Greek creditors -- are expected in Athens next week for another in-depth inspection of the new government's economic programme.

The troika's report will determine whether Greece will receive fresh loans of 31.5 billion euros by September due under its debt rescue programme.

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  • Singaporean filmmaker gets 15-minute standing ovation at Cannes

    Singaporean director Anthony Chen described as “surreal” the 15-minute standing ovation that followed the world premiere of his debut feature film "Ilo Ilo" at the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday. Though the ending of the premiere couldn’t have been more perfect, the 29-year-old Chen said the beginning was quite “nerve-wrecking” as it was marred by technical glitches.

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    The schoolboy, the hawker auntie, the young lady and the taxi uncle – the spasms began as soon as Water Wally popped up in the background, lurking in the corner of every frame. First shocked, then jubilant, they found their … Continue reading →

  • Woman confronted London attackers to deflect danger

    Woman confronted London attackers to deflect danger

    Woman confronted London attackers to deflect danger

    A woman who challenged knife-wielding assailants suspected of hacking to death a British soldier in London on Wednesday said she intervened because "it was better having them (the weapons) aimed on one person".