ATHENS – European banks will contribute to a multi-billion euro Greek bailout, Germany said yesterday, as talks to secure European Union and IMF aid to Athens in return for draconian budget cuts edged towards a deal.

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BANGKOK – Thai anti-government protesters were apologetic yesterday a day after a clumsy storming of a hospital that raised questions over whether the movement is losing direction in a two-month crisis that has killed 27 people.

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BAGHDAD – Iraq’s prime minister criticised his main rival in last month’s inconclusive election for wanting outside intervention, and denounced what he said was the foreign powers’ desire to stage a ballot box coup.

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KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – The chief of US Central Command warned Kandahar residents of a violent summer ahead, predicting “horrific actions” by insurgents as his troops try to drive the Taliban from the southern Afghan city.

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LONDON – Energised by a clear win in a final TV debate, Conservative leader David Cameron sought to convince waverers in a tight election race they could trust him with Britain’s future.

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WASHINGTON – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she expected Israel and the Palestinians to begin indirect peace talks next week, breaking months of deadlock over a key US foreign policy goal.

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PARIS – Belgium’s vote to ban full face veils in public is the furthest any European country has gone to confront a tiny minority whose choice in clothing has come to symbolise the issue of integrating some Muslim minorities.

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BUDAPEST – Hungary’s election winners stepped on thin ice by going after central bank governor Andras Simor as attempts to remove him may lead to a conflict with the European Central Bank and market turbulence.

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SHANGHAI – South Korean President Lee Myung-bak held talks with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao in Shanghai on Friday that touched on security risks caused by the North’s suspected attack on a warship from the South.