EUROPE NEWS AT 1200GMT

TOP STORIES:

EUROPE-FINANCIAL CRISIS

BERLIN _ Germany's top economist calls Greece's debt woes a "bottomless pit" while a major newspaper grouses about coughing up cash so Greeks can retire early. Europe's biggest economy is growing increasingly cranky about bailing out Greece. While Angela Merkel may ultimately proceed with the bailout, an imporant local election requires her to play hardball. There's a price: the foot-dragging is fueling panic in financial markets as the May 19 deadline for Greece to pay its debt approaches. By David Rising and Juergen Baetz.

Also:

_ GREECE-FINANCIAL CRISIS: Greece must surprise markets by …