Crises Overshadow EU Finance Ministers Meeting

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    The financial troubles of Greece, Portugal and other weaker euro-zone economies are expected to dominate the Brussels talks that end Tuesday.  Finance ministers from the 27 European Union states are expected formally approve a $112 billion rescue plan for Portugal and discuss the possibility of more aid to Greece, which received its own bailout last year.

    The chief economist³ for the Brussels-based European Policy Center, Fabian Zuleeg, says the 17-nation euro zone is facing a tough period.

    "Portugal is needing help, there are some uncertainties(不确定因素) around there," Zuleeg said. "There are questions about the long-term future for Greece and now, of course, we are having developments with the IMF and Strauss-Kahn in particular."At issue is Saturday's arrest of International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn on sexual assault charges.  The incident is certain to cast a cloud over the talks.

    But EU spokesman Amadeu Altafaj Tardio told reporters it would not impact their outcome.  He also praised the IMF's new interim⁴ head, former American banker John Lipsky.

    "He has a very large experience," noted⁵ Tardio, "he is globally recognized as a strong economist, he has a very good knowledge of Europe.  So we have no doubt about the continuity also in that respect."But experts like Zuleeg note Strauss-Khan's absence will be felt on a larger scale.  The former French finance minister worked closely with European countries in planning the recent rescue packages.

    "He has been personally involved and I think his involvement has also made it more possible, more acceptable for European leaders to bring the IMF in[to] the process," Zuleeg said.

    Last week, the IMF warned the debt crisis could spread to other euro-zone members as well as some non-members in eastern Europe.(本文由在线英语听力室整理编辑)

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