The IMF has approved a $2.1 billion loan to Iceland to help it recover from the financial crisis and restore confidence in its currency. The IMF's mission chief for Iceland talks about the crisis and the plans for dealing with the repercussions.
Vladimir Putin, the Russian prime minister, has said in a speech that the country's large foreign currency, gold reserves and anti-crisis measures would prevent a sharp fall in the rouble. "The reserves that we have accumulated have given us room for manoeuvre, they allow us to preserve macroeconomic stability and will help us prevent a surge, and a sharp change in the rouble rate," Putin said.
PM Gordon Brown in his usual-manner, wishes Liverpudlians much-success.
Being named European Capital of Culture 2008 was arguably the greatest day in Liverpool's recent history. Liverpool is already well known around the world for maritime heritage, architecture, music, literature, the arts and sport.
The Capital of Culture title will place the city firmly on the global map.
