widens

Medvedev widens powers of KGB successor agency (AP)

July 29th, 2010

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (pictured) has signed into a law a bill expanding the powers of the successor to the Soviet-era KGB security service, the Kremlin said in a statement. The bill, criticised by rights groups, would allow the Federal Security Service to issue official warnings to individuals whose actions are deemed to be creating the conditions for crime.(AFP/File/Alexey Panov)AP - Russia has broadened the authority of the Federal Security Service, the KGB’s main successor agency, giving it Soviet-style repressive powers in a move critics say could be used…

Spain downgraded as Europe debt crisis widens (AP)

April 28th, 2010

German Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, left, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, talk at the beginning of a meeting of the cabinet at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, April 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)AP - Europe’s debt crisis spread its contagion to another country Wednesday when a major agency downgraded Spain’s credit rating, even as Germany grudgingly moved closer to bailing out Greece…

Spain downgraded, Europe debt crisis widens (AP)

April 28th, 2010

A protester holds handcuffs during an anti-government demonstration staged by civil servants outside the Greek Parliament in Athens, Tuesday, April 27, 2010. Greece's debt crisis intensified Tuesday as its credit rating cut to junk status. (AP Photo/Marita Pappa)AP - Europe’s debt crisis flared again Wednesday as Spain saw its credit rating lowered, just as Germany sought to reassure markets fearful over a possible Greek financial collapse by…