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Belgian PM proposes resignation Belgian PM proposes resignation
(20 minutes later)
Belgium's Prime Minister Yves Leterme has offered his government's resignation amid a row over the break-up of the stricken Fortis bank. Belgium's Prime Minister Yves Leterme has proposed that his government resigns amid a row over the break-up of the stricken Fortis bank.
The proposal is being discussed at an emergency cabinet meeting. The suggestion is being discussed at an emergency cabinet meeting.
But correspondents say that even if Mr Leterme offers his resignation, King Albert II may not accept it.But correspondents say that even if Mr Leterme offers his resignation, King Albert II may not accept it.
Earlierm Justice Minister Jo Vandeurzen quit after Belgium's highest court said the government had tried to influence a court ruling on the Fortis case. Earlier, Justice Minister Jo Vandeurzen quit after Belgium's highest court said the government had tried to influence a court ruling on the Fortis case.
Judges last week blocked the government's bail-out and sale of its stake in Fortis to French bank BNP.Judges last week blocked the government's bail-out and sale of its stake in Fortis to French bank BNP.
They said shareholders in the company must be allowed a say in the deal.They said shareholders in the company must be allowed a say in the deal.
"The prime minister has proposed the resignation of his government," said spokesman Peter Poulussen, as an emergency cabinet meeting was called. "The prime minister has proposed the resignation of his government," said spokesman Peter Poulussen, as the emergency cabinet meeting was called.
Appeal court
The Brussels appeal court last week ruled in favour of 2,200 shareholders who wanted more say in the future of Fortis.
The ruling froze the sale of most of Fortis to France's BNP Paribas, which was supposed to be finalised this week.
Shareholders were left with practically worthless stakes after the governments of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg stepped in to rescue Fortis.
Fortis has been among the banks worst-hit by the credit crunch, which left it desperately short of cash and needing help from the three governments.