Spain rules out bailout package

Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Spain's prime minister, has "absolutely" ruled out any Irish-style financial rescue plan for his country's economy. The prospect of a rescue for Spain's economy, which is twice the size of Ireland, Greece and Portugal combined, is sowing a deep concern in world financial markets. In an interview on Friday with RAC 1, a Catalan radio station, Zapatero sought to clear the uncertainty. "I am not delivering a message of confidence just because I want to but because of concrete facts," he said. Asked if he could rule out a rescue, he replied: "Absolutely."