Fitch ratings agency downgraded debt-crippled Greece deeper into junk territory, warning of a "probable" Greek exit from the euro currency union if new national elections next month produce an anti-bailout government. Fitch said it had cut Greece's rating by one notch, from B- to CCC, the lowest possible grade for a country that is not in default. "The downgrade of Greece's sovereign ratings reflects the heightened risk that Greece may not be able to sustain its membership of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)," the agency said in a statement. In addition to its acute financial woes, Greece has entered a protracted political crisis after elections on May 6 left no party with enough seats in parliament to govern alone, and nine days of hectic talks failed to reach a coalition deal. The country is now headed for a new vote next month, most probably on June 17, and anti-austerity parties which recorded strong gains on May 6 are again expected to do well. That has raised deep concerns that, if the new government reneges on Greece's austerity pledges, the European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) could cut off the flow of bailout loans. Those rescue funds...

Villa Rundle Garden in the heart of Victoria was reopened by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this evening after an extensive rehabilitation project. In an address, Dr Gonzi noted how this project had benefited from EU funds and said other examples of EU funding could be seen in various aspects of Gozitan life. Other examples, he said, included the investment on the roads, the Institute for Tourism Studies, incentives for job creation and for businesses, new Mcast facilities, and the new Żewwieqa Waterfront. Dr Gonzi noted that the number of jobs in Gozo, had, thanks to this investment, increased by 9,100 since 2007. He also pointed to investment in tourism facilities particularly diving, new waste management processes and incentives for the use of renewable energy sources.  The government, he said wanted to see Gozo as a place where the residents enjoyed a high standard of living, where more jobs were created and a destination which more people would visit. 

The Olympic Flame was handed over to London today. David Beckham was at the ancient Panathenaic Stadium to help collect the flame and take it to the British capital. The historic event took place in a rain-hit sundown ceremony at the stadium in Athens, venue of the first modern Olympics in 1896. The flame has been handed over to London to host the Games for the third time since the birth of the Olympics - in 1908, 1948 and now 2012. No other city has staged the Games three times. Despite the buzz triggered by the last-minute news that the LA Galaxy star and former England skipper was flying in specially to be part of the ancient ceremony, the more formal duties came down to the Princess Royal as leader of the British delegation to Athens. Both she and Karolos Papoulias, the Hellenic Republic president, sat in ancient thrones that are part of the stadium during the hour-long ceremony. The flame was handed to the Princess, who was watched closely by other members of the official delegation including London 2012 chairman Lord Coe, Olympics minister Hugh Robertson, London mayor Boris Johnson, Beckham and five British sporting teenagers. Each member of the British VIP...

Disco star Donna Summer has died aged 63, her publicist said. A statement issued on behalf of her family hailed the singer, best known for hits including I Feel Love, as "a woman of many gifts". She had been battling cancer. The full statement read: "Early this morning, we lost Donna Summer Sudano, a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith. "While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy. Words truly can't express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time." Summer, who was born Donna Gaines in Boston, US, learned to sing in churchbefore fronting a series of bands and appearing in musicals. Working as a session singer brought her into contact with producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte and together they established her as one of the biggest acts of the 1970s. The extended 16-minute version of Love To Love You Baby was a huge hit in the clubs, but was banned from several radio stations because of her suggestive vocal style.

Malta's Eurovision star Kurt Calleja met other contestants who had their first rehearsal today, including Loreen, who will be representing Sweden with Euphoria, the representative of Georgia, Anri, who will sing I'm A Joker and Tooji, who will represent Norway with Stay. As they chatted, Tooji and Kurt taught each other the main parts of the choreography of their respective songs. Before meeting his competitors at the Press Centre, where he also gave birthday greetings to his greatest Eurovision friend Can Bonomo of Turkey, Kurt had an interview with Cosmopolitan (Azerbaijan). Kurt is competing in position four during the second semi-final today week. Besides Kurt, the Maltese Eurovision team also includes DJ and dancer Warren, main backing vocalist Amber, Christian the lead guitarist, Kevin the rhythm guitarist and Rebecca, the drummer and percussionist. The band was invited to Ictimai TV yesterday evening to take part in a magazine programme. They discussed the Maltese entry and also the role of every member of the band. Today started with a wardrobe trial for the Eurovision opening ceremony and welcome party, which will take place on May 19 at the Euroclub, a place that was...