International

Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:02:08 -0500
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 20 December, 2008

GOVERNOR DENIES TRYING TO SELL OBAMA'S SEAT
The U.S. state governor who allegedly tried to sell the vacant
Senate seat of President-elect Barack Obama denied any
wrongdoing. "I have done nothing wrong ... I have on my side the
most powerful ally there is, and it is the truth," he said
Friday.

BELGIAN GOVERNMENT OFFERS RESIGNATION
Belgium's Prime Minister Yves Leterme has offered his
government's resignation amid a row over the break-up of the
stricken Fortis bank, according to national media reports.
Leterme is en route to the Royal Palace to offer his
resignation, state TV reported.

BUSH STARTS AUTOMAKERS' BAILOUT
President George W. Bush announced a short-term $13.4B rescue
plan for ailing U.S. automakers. "In the midst of a financial
crisis and a recession, allowing the U.S. auto industry to
collapse is not a responsible course of action," Bush said.

IRAQI SHOE THROWER WINS HEARTS IN IRAN
The Iraqi journalist who hurled his shoes at President George W.
Bush has won some hearts in neighboring Iran, where one cleric
dubbed the act "the shoe intifada (rebellion)."

TSVANGIRAI THREATENS TO HALT ZIMBABWE TALKS
The man who would be Zimbabwe's prime minister under a
power-sharing pact said Friday his party will withdraw from
efforts to implement the unity government unless 42 abducted
members of his party are freed by New Year's Day.

PROTESTS IN GREECE AFTER SECOND TEEN IS SHOT
Thousands of youths have demonstrated in central Athens in a
dramatic flare-up of violence after a teen was shot and wounded
earlier in the week. Greece has suffered simmering anger since
the death of another teen sparked anger about the economy,
education and jobs.

GATES ASKS FOR GUANTANAMO CLOSURE PLANS
Defense Secretary Robert Gates has asked Pentagon staff to draw
up plans for shutting the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba, a Pentagon spokesman said.

RICHEST FOOTBALL LEAGUE FEELS CASH CRUNCH
The falling value of the pound against the euro might be good
for British exporters, but for the country's football clubs it's
a kick in the teeth. Buying talent from mainland Europe has
proved popular for the clubs, but the slumping pound is making
euro stars more expensive.

BUSINESS

LABOR UNIONS PRAISE OBAMA PICK
Labor unions praised U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's
selection to head the Labor Department, California Congresswoman
Hilda Solis.

NEW ZIMBABWE $10B NOTE BUYS BREAD
Zimbabwe's central bank introduced a $10 billion note worth less
than 20 U.S. dollars, as the once-prosperous southern African
nation battles against spiraling hyperinflation.

POLAROID FILES FOR CHAPTER 11
Polaroid Corp. announced it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
protection.