BBC News with Zoe Diamond

There has been angry protests in Athens against the Greek government's announcement of further austerity measures to deal with the country's massive debts. Pensioners scuffled with riot police and civil servants protested outside the Finance Ministry. The new measures are designed to save 6.5 billion dollars. The head of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso welcomed the move.

The additional measures announced today appropriately include expenditure cuts and in particular savings in the public wage bill which are essential for achieving permanent fiscal recognition ,effects and restore competitiveness. This is in the interest of the Greek people who will benefit from sounder public finances, better growth prospects and job opportunities. It is as well important for the overall financial stability of the euro area.

Brazil has rejected efforts by the visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to persuade it to back sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program. At a news conference, the foreign minister said Brazil felt strongly that a dialogue with Iran should occur before sanctions are imposed. From Sao Paulo, here is Gary Duffy.

On her first official visit to South America's largest country, the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was adamant that only further sanctions would persuade Iran to negotiate in good fair.Though it doesn't have a veto, Brazil is currently a voting member of the UN Security Council, and the US administration is keen to have its support. However, President Lula continues to warn against isolating Iran, insisting instead, that it would be better to continue with negotiations.