World briefs: 2/8/12

DAMASCUS, Syria -- Russia's top diplomat said Tuesday that a Syrian commission has prepared a new constitution, to be voted on in a referendum, and added that President Bashar al-Assad is ready for a "dialogue" with opposition groups after months of a harsh and bloody crackdown on anti-government protesters.

Euro Group President Jean-Claude Juncker - If Greece Doesn't Reform 'It Can't Expect Solidarity'

In a SPIEGEL interview, Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, head of the Euro Group, talks about the need for Greece to push ahead with economic reforms. If the country doesn't meet Europe's demands, it will have to declare bankruptcy in March, he says.

Eurozone crisis live: S&P cuts French credit rating on night of downgrades - 13 January 2012

• Fiscal austerity alone won't work, says S&P • Austria, France, Malta, Solvenia, Slovakia cut by 1 notch • Cyprus, Italy, Portugal and Spain cut by 2 notches • Full list of S&P's moves . • French finance minister -- AA+ is still a good rating • German minister says UK should also be downgraded • Greek bank talks collapse • Blogging now - @GraemeWearden 1.16am: It's a shame to wrap things up ...

Markets: FTSE 100 stutters on Friday

17:08 - The FTSE 100 (UKX) struggled to get a firm footing in the black on Friday as gains were taken and uncertainty in Europe remained a distraction. London's leading index closed 12.60 points lower at 5728.55, with Vedanta Resources (VED) rising high as Weir Group (WEIR) remained in the doldrums. "The theme of this week has been the old playground game of 'Grandmother's Footsteps'; markets ...