Standard and Poor’s downgraded the credit ratings of nine euro-zone countries last week, making big news on a Black Friday (January 13). The rating downgrade hammers the euro-zone politicians’ efforts to win back investor confidence and renews doubts about Europe’s ability to bail itself out of its financial crisis.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is on a tour of Venezuela, Nicaragua, Cuba and Ecuador to gain political and economic support in Latin America.

Vietnam witnessed  many political, economic, cultural and social events in 2011. VOV has selected the top ten domestic events of the year as follows:

Iran’s nuclear program crisis seems unlikely to subside in the near future. Tension has grown from continuous confrontation in diplomacy, economic and even military between Iran and western countries, particularly the US.

Following are ten major world events selected by Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) as the most influential ones in 2011.

Through its participation in international forums, like the United Nations, Vietnam has gained useful experience and material support for its national development.

It has been one year since waves of unrest demanding regime change began in North Africa and the Middle East.

The Prime Minister has recently asked ministries, agencies and localities to tighten management of State capital sources in an effort to stop scattered investment and optimize the efficiency of State-funded projects.

Economists have forecast that the prices of goods at the end of the year will not see any shocking increases thanks to businesses effective preparations to ensure the adequate supply of goods.

The second session of the 13th National Assembly, which was wrapped up in Hanoi on November 26 after a 29-day sitting, has left a lasting impression on voters and people across the country.