Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero

Are Sarkozy and Obama still "buddies"? By Siegfried Mortkowitz,

Are Sarkozy and Obama still "buddies"? By Siegfried Mortkowitz, Paris - With schools and politicians on Easter holiday, the big news in France these days is what President Nicolas Sarkozy reportedly told a group of lawmakers about several Western leaders, as reported by the left-leaning daily Liberation.

Most of the controversy concerns the president's assessment of Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero as "not very clever."

Zapatero announces sweeping cabinet reshuffle to combat crisis

Zapatero announces sweeping cabinet reshuffle to combat crisis Madrid - Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero announced a sweeping cabinet reshuffle and restructuring Tuesday in response to the country's deepening recession.

Public Administrations Minister Elena Salgado was appointed economy minister in replacement of Pedro Solbes, who had been accused of downplaying and being slow in responding to the crisis.

Salgado was also made second vice-premier after Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega, who retained her post.

Zapatero expected to reshuffle government in response to crisis

Zapatero expected to reshuffle government in response to crisis Madrid  - Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero was Monday widely expected to reshuffle his government at top level this week in response to the country's deepening recession.

Pedro Solbes, who has held the economy portfolio since Zapatero became prime minister in 2004, will probably be replaced by Public Administrations Minister Elena Salgado, according to several media, including the daily El Pais, which is seen as being close to the government.

EXTRA: Spain's Zapatero predicts "great cooperation" with US

Spain's Zapatero predicts "great cooperation" with US

US critical of Spanish withdrawal from Kosovo

US critical of Spanish withdrawal from Kosovo Washington  - The United States criticized Spain for its decision Friday to end its role in the NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo, calling it a disappointment that breaks with an alliance agreement.

The Spanish government announced that it would pull out its 620 soldiers who are part of NATO's 15,500-strong contingency in Kosovo, which declared independence last year but was not recognized by Madrid.

Catholic Church launches fierce anti-abortion campaign in Spain

Catholic Church launches fierce anti-abortion campaign in Spain Madrid - A debate was under way Tuesday in Spain over an anti-abortion campaign launched by the country's Catholic Church, which said the rights of plants and animals were protected better than those of unborn children.

The Bishops' Conference on Monday announced a "massive mobilization" against a more liberal abortion law which is being prepared by Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero's socialist government.

Pages