Erstellt am: 27. 2. 2012 - 15:52 Uhr

What's in a *?

Reality Check: Serbia and Kosovo reach a compromise, Syria's referendum, blacked out tax documents submitted to parliamentary corruption inquiry, Iran's peaceful protests, Weymouth prepares for the Olympics

Serbia and Kosovo have finally worked out a compromise that will allow Serbia to further its European Union ambitions.

It all hangs on an asterisk - a * - which will appear next to Kosovo's nameplate at regional meetings, denoting its disputed status. Serbia agrees that Kosovo can have its own representation without recognising its independence, Kosovo gives up its "Republic" title, and, for the time being, all is well.

So why has a little * managed to resolve a conflict that has been going on, in one way or another, been going on for centuries? Our Balkans correspondent, Nick Thorpe, says it is all about the EU.

Syria referendum amid continuing violence

As the assault on Homs goes on, Syrian authorities have been attempting to hold a referendum on a new constitiution. Regional analyst, Shashank Joshi, considers what the vote means for President Assad's firm grip on power.

Parliamentary corruption investigation: the blacked-out tax files=?

Profil journalist, Ulla Schmid, gives her analysis of the blacking out of sections of the Mensdorff-Pouilly tax documents presented to the inquiry into the Telekom corruption affair.

Iran: people and protests

As Iranian director Asgar Fahadi takes the Oscar for the best foreign language film, analyst Ali Ansari looks at public feeling about the forthcoming parliamentary elections on Friday.

The seaside town of Weymouth prepares for the Olympics

The small, south coast resort town of Weymouth is the host for the sailing events at the London Olympics.

Nina Maria Potts has been to see how the local people are preparing for the biggest thing ever to hit the town, and the unexpected problems the event is causing.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.