BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Slovakian lawmakers on Thursday approved expanding the size and powers of the EU bailout fund, overcoming an earlier rejection and removing the last hurdle to the fund’s use as the continent’s main weapon against the debt crisis. Slovakia is the last of the 17 eurozone nations to approve boosting the bailout €440 billion ($600 billion) fund, called the European Financial Stability Facility. The fund will be able to lend quickly to governments before they are in a full-blown crisis and help them boost banks’ health. Read full article > >

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Slovakian parliament approves expanding euro bailout fund, clearing way for its use in crisis

Politicians in Slovakia struck a deal that should permit the expansion of a rescue fund for the euro a day after the governing coalition fell in a no vote on the rescue fund.

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Slovakia Deal Revives Euro Rescue Fund Hopes

LONDON — Tiny Slovakia defied its mightier neighbors Tuesday and rejected an expanded rescue fund to save Europe’s ailing debtor nations and troubled banks, effectively holding hostage the region’s plan to fend off a broader economic crisis. The “no” vote after a marathon session of parliament in the sleepy Slovak capital of Bratislava threw up another stumbling block to Europe’s efforts to ease a debt crisis that is threatening the global financial system. After months of wrangling over what to do about nations such as near-bankrupt Greece , European leaders agreed to the expanded plan for a $588 billion rescue fund as far back as July. But its creation has been contingent on parliamentary approval in the 17 nations that share the euro, with all but Slovakia signing off. Read full article > >

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Slovakia rejects European bailout plan

On the prowl – and the scrounge – in Slovakia

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When bears go bad

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — A would-be cannibal was arrested and in critical condition after being wounded in a gunbattle with officers during an undercover operation, officials said Wednesday. A policeman was also wounded. The 43-year-old suspect used the Internet to search for a person who wanted to commit suicide and would agree to let him eat the body, police said. A Swiss citizen initially agreed but later changed his mind and informed authorities. An undercover officer who pretended he was the would-be victim was used during Tuesday’s operation, police said. He arrived at the eastern town of Kysak to meet the suspect, who opened fire seven times, striking one officer who remains hospitalized in serious condition. Read full article > >

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Slovak cannibal suspect arrested after gunbattle leaves him, policeman wounded

A gunman opens fire in a street in Slovakia’s capital Bratislava, killing six people and injuring 14, officials say.

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Six killed by Bratislava gunman

Britain’s Andy Murray will play Lukas Lacko of Slovakia in the first round of the US Open.

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Murray to face Lacko at US Open