REYKJAVIK, Iceland — Icelanders are set to reject the terms for repaying Anglo-Dutch debts in a referendum on Saturday, forcing new negotiations with creditors and delaying financial aid the country needs to fix its shattered economy.

LONDON — Britain said on Thursday it wanted to see further progress on human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe before the European Union lifts sanctions against President Robert Mugabe and his allies. Prime Minister Gordon Brown defended sanctions on Zimbabwe after talks with South African President Jacob Zuma who has called for them to be lifted.

LONDON — Ooh la la! A frisky French gorilla on the prowl in Britain has been turning on the Gallic charm full blast, London Zoo officials said this week.

ATHENS — Greece's cabinet approved a sweeping new austerity program on Wednesday, the third in as many months, intended to rein in a bulging budget deficit and secure European financial support.

PARIS — Russia will consider imposing "smart" sanctions against Iran if it refuses to relent over its nuclear program, President Dmitry Medvedev said after negotiating a range of trade deals in Paris late on Monday.