(Continued from page 16)

strict period of belt-tightening. In France, that has included programs designed to reduce government employment.
• ___

• ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- Greeks cast ballots on Sunday in their most critical -- and uncertain -- election in decades, with voters set to punish the two main parties

that are being held responsible for the country's dire economic straits.
• The stakes couldn't be higher.
• Entirely dependent on billions of euros worth of international rescue loans from other European countries and the International Monetary Fund, Greece must impose yet more austerity measures next month, if it is to keep the money flowing and prevent a default

(Continued on page 18)