Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

SPIEGEL ONLINE - INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER
Compiled on Monday, May 21, 2012, 06:29 PM CET

This mail includes the latest edition of the SPIEGEL INTERNATIONAL
newsletter.

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EU SUMMIT ON WEDNESDAY
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Hollande To Confront Merkel on Euro Bonds
French President François Hollande will put German Chancellor Angela
Merkel under pressure at Wednesday's EU summit to agree to euro bonds,
which she has so far strictly opposed. Italy and Britain are expected to
back Hollande in a further sign that Merkel is increasingly isolated in
Europe with her austerity plan for saving the euro.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,834180,00.html#ref=nlint

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AN ULTIMATUM FOR GREECE
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Europe Raises Threat Level against Athens
Officially, euro zone governments say they're not talking about a Greek
exit from the euro zone. But it's a different story behind closed doors.
Finance ministers meeting in Brussels last Monday threatened to evict
Greece, SPIEGEL has learned. Meanwhile, Germany denied reports that
Chancellor Angela Merkel called for Greece to hold a referendum on the
euro.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,834188,00.html#ref=nlint

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NICK CLEGG ON THE EU
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'We Are Condemned to Work with Each Other'
In a SPIEGEL interview, British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg argues
that the European Union has to stand together to fight the crisis. The
euro zone needs a clear vision for its future, he argues, otherwise
Europe will see a new wave of nationalism and xenophobia.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,834120,00.html#ref=nlint

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THE WORLD FROM BERLIN
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'Hollande Is Provoking Merkel to the Utmost'
French President François Hollande has reignited the debate over euro
bonds ahead of this week's informal EU summit. Germany has repeated its
opposition to jointly issued debt. German commentators are divided over
the merits of euro bonds, but agree that Chancellor Merkel will have to
make concessions.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,834214,00.html#ref=nlint

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DOUBTS IN BRUSSELS AND BERLIN
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Schäuble's Plan to Head Euro Group In Question
German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble wants to become the head of
the Euro Group, but this prospect is being met with ample skepticism. In
Berlin he is seen as too European, while in Brussels he is considered
too German. Critics say taking on the second job would cause a conflict
of interest.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,834151,00.html#ref=nlint

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'SICK CONDITIONS'
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Why Greeks Will Vote for Tsipras
Greeks have spurned the politicians who represent the country's broken
system, and many are now following rising star Alexis Tsipras. The
radical left-wing politician has pledged to free Greece from painful
austerity measures while keeping the euro, but no one knows how he plans
to fulfill his promises.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,834141,00.html#ref=nlint

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MOUNTING RISKS 
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ECB Increasingly Concerned Over Aid to Greek Banks 
The European Central Bank is keeping Greek banks afloat with emergency
assistance even though urgently needed banking reforms have been put on
hold in the election campaigns. As Greeks withdraw money from the banks
amid fears of a euro exit, the ECB's own risk exposure is mounting.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,834156,00.html#ref=nlint

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POLITICAL CHAOS DETERS TOURISTS
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Greece Holiday Bookings Plunge Due to Turmoil
Greece's tourism industry, crucial to its ailing economy has been hit
hard by the political turmoil following the May 6 election and growing
speculation of a Greek euro exit, say tourism experts. One industry
leader said bookings were down 50 percent since the vote.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,834299,00.html#ref=nlint

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DEFENSE AND DEBT
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NATO Leaders Focus on Funding in Chicago
NATO leaders gathered in Chicago are faced with an ever-worsening
conundrum: How can they cut military expenditures while at the same time
boosting the alliance's military capabilities? The answer is called
"Smart Defense," and critics worry it could result in the weakening of
the alliance.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,834206,00.html#ref=nlint

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CHECKBOOK JOURNALISM
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Media Outraged by Fees for Celebrity Interviews at Cannes
For the first time in the history of the Cannes Film Festival, a
distribution firm has asked for a fee from journalists who want to
interview Hollywood celebrities. Many journalists are eschewing the
offer of a 20-minute interview with Brad Pitt for 2,500 euros, arguing
it would set a dangerous precedent.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,834161,00.html#ref=nlint

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WILD EUROPE
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Berlin Photo Show Highlights Continent's Natural Gems
Spectacular wildlife photography often depicts African lions or penguins
waddling across Antartic snow. But an exhibition on tour in Europe is
shining a spotlight on natural wonders closer to home. Starting
on Tuesday, visitors arriving at Berlin's central train station will be
greeted by pictures showcasing Europe's gems.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,832653,00.html#ref=nlint

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PICTURE THIS
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War Paint


http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,834288,00.html#ref=nlint