Trade ties expose EU, US rift over Russia sanctions

[dipsydoodle]

3. Fuck knows.

Last I read they're back in the merde again.

Cyprus bailout hit as privatisation bill fails.

International efforts to bail out Cyprus' debt-laden economy have been thrown into doubt after its parliament rejected a key part of the plan.

As part of the 10bn-euro (£8.25bn; $13.7bn) deal with the EU and International Monetary Fund, lawmakers have until 5 March to pass a bill allowing state firms to be privatised.

But on Thursday, they threw it out, jeopardising the next tranche of cash.

The government says it will re-submit the bill with some amendments.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26382041

Shades of the conditions the EU will lay out in relation to the $15 billion package mentioned this morning re. Ukraine.