Members of Greece's public power corporation workers union (GENOP) march during a protest in Athens today. Photograph: Yiorgos Karahalis/Reuters

Members of Greece's public power corporation workers union (GENOP) march during a protest in Athens today. Photograph: Yiorgos Karahalis/Reuters

World News

Dozens die as Syrian tanks shell city of Homs SYRIAN TROOPS in tanks reportedly fired barrages of mortars and rockets for a fifth day on opposition strongholds in the central city of Homs yesterday, killing up to 67 people. The toll could not be verified.
Greece nears accord on bailout package AFTER THREE days of delays and frantic negotiations with the country’s lenders, the Greek government finally sat down for a meeting last night to approve a tough austerity agreement that, if accepted, will pave the way for the country to receive a second bailout, worth €130 billion, next month.
Clinton-hosted conference to focus on investment for Ireland TAOISEACH ENDA Kenny, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton will participate in an “Invest in Ireland” conference hosted by former US president Bill Clinton in New York today.
Iran struggles to pay for basic foods as sanctions kick in KUALA LUMPUR/TEHRAN – Iran is having trouble buying rice, cooking oil and other staples to feed its 74 million people weeks before an election as a result of the new sanctions imposed on the country over its nuclear pogramme.

Other world stories

Santorum surge forces Romney to take stock Santorum has deflated the argument that Romney will inevitably be nominated candidate, writes LARA MARLOWE in Washington
France warned deficit targets off without more cuts OPPOSITION CLAIMS that the French president is holding back austerity measures until after the spring election have been strengthened after the country’s spending watchdog said the government would miss its own deficit targets without much deeper cuts.
Vatican event on sex abuse 'changing point' for survivor IRISH CLERICAL sex abuse survivor Marie Collins yesterday suggested that her attendance of this week’s “Towards Healing And Renewal” conference at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome has represented a “huge changing point” for her.
Last surviving first World War veteran dies at 110 LONDON – The world’s last surviving first World War service member has died aged 110.
Rumours over official's 'holiday' A HIGH-PROFILE Chinese official is receiving “vacation-style treatment” for stress, officials said, hours after police surrounded a US consulate, prompting speculation of an attempted defection.
Murdoch firm settles 15 hacking lawsuits A FURTHER 15 politicians, sportsmen and celebrities reached settlements with the British newspaper arm of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp yesterday over a phone hacking scandal that has rocked his global media empire.
Buoyant Gingrich eyes Ohio vote despite losses ON A day that was not kind to Newt Gingrich, he travelled to a place he hopes will help get him back in the saddle next month: Ohio.
Spanish judge Garzón says conscience is clear as final arguments presented FINAL ARGUMENTS were heard in Madrid yesterday in the case against Spanish judge Baltasar Garzón, accused of abusing his powers by investigating the crimes committed by the former dictator, Gen Francisco Franco, and his supporters, during and after the Spanish Civil War (1936-39).
California court throws out gay marriage ban A FEDERAL appeals court panel has thrown out a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage passed in 2008, upholding a lower court’s ruling that the ban, known as Proposition 8, violated the constitutional rights of gay men and lesbians in California.
Merkel's pathos-free pragmatism lost on her idealistic young audience For the chancellor, Europe’s path out of crisis is obvious. But not all Europeans agree, writes DEREK SCALLY in Berlin
Options for action on Assad's bloody response are limited EUROPEAN DIARY: Europe is likely to step up sanctions against Syria this month, writes ARTHUR BEESLEY
Iraq defies UN protests and executes 14 convicted criminals BAGHDAD – Iraq executed 14 convicted criminals on Tuesday, a Justice Ministry official said, bringing the number of executions this year to at least 65 despite objections from the United Nations human rights chief. Those executed included an al-Qaeda commander, the senior official said. The criminals had been found guilty of crimes ranging from armed robbery and murder to terrorist offences. Executions were suspended after Saddam Hussein was ousted in 2003 but reintroduced in 2004 by Iraqi authorities who said the death penalty was needed to combat a wave of sectarian bloodshed and attacks by insurgents. – (Reuters)
Maldives president 'forced' to resign MALE – Ex-Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed has said he was forced to step down at gunpoint on and urged his successor to step down.
Beach Boys to reunite after 20 years for Grammy Awards television special LOS ANGELES – Iconic 1960s band The Beach Boys will perform together for the first time in more than 20 years at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, organisers said. Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks will sing with Maroon 5 and indie rock band Foster The People in what Grammy organisers called a special performance at the televised awards show in Los Angeles. The five musicians, who were all involved in various line-ups of The Beach Boys in their 1960s heyday, announced in December that they were releasing a new album later this year. – (Reuters)

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