Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

Friday, 22 June 2012


SPIEGEL ONLINEINTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER 

Compiled on June 22, 2012, 06:33 PM CET

BILLIONS IN SUPPORT

Merkel, Monti and Co. Agree to European Growth Pact

Agreeing that austerity alone will not be enough to pull the euro zone out of its deep crisis, the leaders of Germany, France, Spain and Italy agreed on Friday to the blueprint for a growth pact for Europe. With a value of 130 billion euros, the leaders hope to impress markets with the pact at next week's EU summit.

FATEFUL WEEK

Merkel Isolated in Race for Euro Crisis Solution

Slow and steady wins the race: That has been Chancellor Merkel's motto in recent months as she leads efforts to solve the euro crisis. But as problems in the common currency area intensify, many are urging her to hurry up. The next week will be crucial.

THE WORLD FROM BERLIN

'Crisis Could Change Germany More than Reunification'

Germany's Constitutional Court has asked the country's president to delay the ratification of the permanent ESM euro bailout fund and the EU fiscal pact. German commentators accuse the chancellor of trying to push the legislation through parliament too quickly.

'CEMENT GOLD'

German Property Market Soars Amid Euro Crisis

German real estate market prices have increased sharply over the last two years as investors look for solid returns and safe havens in the midst of the euro crisis. That has some worried about the formation of a bubble that could collapse if the German economy falters.

FINAL DAY OF TESTIMONY

Breivik and Defense Claim Sanity

In the last day of his trial, Anders Breivik and his lawyer sought to convince the court that the mass killer can be held responsible for his actions. The defense formally asked for his acquittal, however, saying the right-wing extremist's acts were conducted in self-defense. If given a guilty verdict, the mass murderer wants to be considered sane and given a prison sentence.

SPIEGEL INTERVIEW WITH DANIEL BARENBOIM

'The Germans Are Prisoners of Their Past'

World-famous Argentine-Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim is noted for his strong views on the Middle East peace process and for performing Wagner's music in Israel. In a SPIEGEL interview, he explains why the Israeli antipathy toward Wagner is grotesque and argues that Israel shouldn't depend too much on Germany and the US for support.

LENDING A HEART

Germans Willing to Donate Organs, But Often Don't

Organ donation has been a big topic in recent weeks as the German government wraps up legislation designed to encourage people to donate. In principle, many Germans say organ donation is a good idea, but they often fail to take the necessary steps required to follow through.

PLAYING IN THE FUTURE

Meet the Heart of Spain's Football Dynasty

As a child, Spanish national team star Xavi Hernandez liked to hang back to keep the goalie company. Now, he is the key player in Spain's international football tournament domination. His telepathic passing, say teammates, is proof that he 'plays in the future.'

'KUEKA STONE' CONTROVERSY

Venezuelan Tribe Demands Return of 'Sacred Rock'

The rock has been in Berlin for more than a decade, but Venezuela's indigenous Pemon people want it back. The group staged a demonstration this week in front of the German Embassy in Caracas to demand the return of the "Kueka Stone," which they claim is sacred and was stolen.

PINHOLE DUMPSTER CAMERA

Garbage Crew Gains Exposure with 'Trashcam'

Who says garbage collectors can't be creative? Sanitation workers in Hamburg created a sensation with their striking photographs taken with a dumpster converted into a pinhole camera. Now the campaign has won a prestigious advertising industry award.

PICTURE THIS

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