China has an interest in unblocking financing for Chinese firms that want to list abroad.

ECONOMIST: A dreadful choice: whether to annoy America or China

Experts appointed by Italy's president have presented reform proposals aimed at unblocking the political stalemate and leading to a new government.

BBC: Italy experts present reforms in new coalition bid

Equally, Mr Gephardt could put aside his differences with the administration, in the interest of unblocking America's already checked and balanced government.

ECONOMIST: Dick Gephardt��s inflation

Local councils have been asked to assist with sandbags and unblocking drains.

BBC: Flood fears as snow turns to rain and temperatures rise

There was also a report of flooding to homes in Pandy Road in Bedwas, Caerphilly, with fire crews unblocking drains on Saturday afternoon.

BBC: Homes evacuated in estate flood

Still, the biggest move towards unblocking the logjam would be for Turkey to squeeze Mr Denktash, as it certainly could, into giving the necessary extra few inches.

ECONOMIST: Cyprus

Poland and Russia get on better now than for a long time, with Russia dropping a ban on Polish meat imports and Poland unblocking EU-Russia talks on co-operation.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne

"There are thousands of people facing the prospect of real hardship because they cannot find mortgage deals to re-mortgage onto, so unblocking the financial system I think is a very important step, " he said.

BBC: Cautious welcome for bank plans