donatajg

BRUSSELS—The European Parliament voted through Monday its version of legislation transposing Basel III banking capital and liquidity requirements into law.

"The outcome of the vote is a very strong statement by parliament to the council that all political parties are determined to go ahead with stabilizing banks," said Othmar Karas, the MEP in charge of getting the legislation through parliament.

"The new capital requirements are not only a pivotal piece of banking regulation, but a law to finance the real economy, The main challenge is to find the right balance." he said.

The moves pave the way for negotiations to begin with the European Commission and Council on the final wording of the new legislation.

However, before that can happen European finance ministers must agree on their common negotiating position. A European Council meeting earlier this month ended inconclusively with only the U.K. refusing to sign up to a new draft of the European Commission's capital requirements directive and accompanying regulations.

The ministers will meet again Tuesday to try to reach a final deal over how much capital banks in the bloc should be forced to hold on their balance sheets.

If the U.K. continues to resist, the Danish presidency may use provisions in European Union law that allow such matters to be settled under a qualified majority vote.

The U.K., which has a huge banking sector relative to the size of its economy and bailed out three major banks during the financial crisis, has campaigned along with Sweden and other countries for the right to impose tougher capital rules on its banks. The presidency's draft had appeared to satisfy this aim but other issues emerged that U.K. Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne wasn't happy with, most notably the right to include new "macroprudential" regulatory instruments.

Richard Reid, director of the International Centre for Financial Research in London, said the U.K. is justified in taking its concerns as far as it can "because it has a financial system which is one of the most important in the whole world."

However, Mr. Reid said Mr. Osborne has no realistic hope of wringing major concessions out of other governments and the commission now.

As three-way discussions between the commission, council and parliament are scheduled to start May 23, its likely the council will finalize its position Tuesday.

Since the collapse of U.S. investment bank Lehman Brothers in 2008 and the ensuing financial crisis that saw several banks across the globe needing to be propped up by their governments, the issue of raising the amount of capital and liquidity banks hold has assumed immense importance.

SmartMoney Glossary:

The European Parliament, European finance ministers, liquidity requirements, European Council, the European Commission and Council, Othmar Karas, capital requirements directive, European Union law, banks, the European Commission

Online.wsj.com

Join Post writers Larry Brooks and Mike Vaccaro as they preview the Rangers-Devils Eastern Conference Finals at 6:30 p.m. live from Madison Square Garden.

Mike Vaccaro, Join Post writers Larry Brooks, Eastern Conference Finals online

Nypost.com

The search was sluggish, and the results weren’t pretty.

Yahoo! ousted its CEO Scott Thompson after a weeklong board probe found evidence that the former eBay exec had padded his resume with a phony degree in computer science.

The besieged Internet giant — which had been prodded to get rid of Thompson by cage-rattling investor Daniel Loeb — named Ross Levinsohn, who runs the company’s media websites, as interim CEO.

Yahoo is claiming "cause" in its parting with former CEO Scott Thompson, related to the fake computer science degree on his resume, sources told AllThingsDigital Monday.

Such a determination will mean the company is not obligated to pay him the large severance that would have been due to him otherwise.

What was definitely not a reason for Thompson's departure from Yahoo -- although it was unfortunate timing -- was an unspecified illness.

The Wall Street Journal identified the illness Monday as thyroid cancer, noting that "the decision to step down from Yahoo was in part influenced by Mr. Thompson's cancer diagnosis."

That might have been true for Thompson -- a source close to him characterized the parting as "mutually agreed" -- and perhaps his illness accelerated the resume issue.

But he was given no choice in the matter by the Yahoo board, numerous sources said. The parting was almost entirely due to the mess about the botched bio and all its implications.

The moves were a spectacular coup for Loeb, who, with a 6-percent stake in Yahoo!, has agreed to drop his threat of a proxy battle in exchange for the three board seats, which will be filled by himself, as well as media consultant Michael Wolf and turnaround expert Harry Wilson.

“We are committed to working with new leadership to unlock Yahoo!’s significant potential and value,” Loeb said, signaling that he’ll back interim chief Levinsohn, as well as Fred Amoroso, who replaces Roy Bostock as non-executive chairman.

The shake-up was the latest for Yahoo!, which has been plagued by turnover at the top since the ouster of CEO Carol Bartz in September, followed by the departure of founder Jerry Yang, who left the board in January.

Thompson, who has an accounting degree from Stonehill College near Boston, had initially blamed the CV scandal on the executive-search firm Heidrick & Struggles, according to some news reports.

But the recruitment firm, which wasn’t involved in his placement at Yahoo! but which had brokered his hire by eBay, vigorously disputed Thompson’s claim.

Thompson was named CEO in January, and recently drew heat for firing 2,000 employees.

Yahoo!’s board meanwhile has been blasted for rejecting a lucrative takeover offer from Microsoft, and more recently for undervaluing the company’s stake in Chinese search engine Alibaba.

Five directors are stepping down in addition to Bostock: Patti Hart, VJ Joshi, Arthur Kern and Gary Wilson. Hart had led the hiring committee that tapped Thompson.

jcovert@nypost.com

With Newscore

Scott Thompson, Thompson, Daniel Loeb, Ross Levinsohn, eBay, Yahoo, Yahoo!

Nypost.com

There still are bigger issues for the Devils, such as the franchise’s financial health, but making the Eastern Conference finals against the Rangers, 2-1 winners over the Capitals in Game 7 last night, has encouraged Zach Parise that the organization is set up with a chance to win it all each season.

the Devils captain can become an unrestricted free agent July 1. His only NHL team’s previous inability to win more than one round since he joined in 2005-06 has raised questions whether the Devils’ reputation as contenders is still deserved.

Parise has gagged himself on his the subject of free agency, but made a slight exception for this special case of finally reaching the semifinals.

“I’ m enjoying this, we’re playing well. It’s not even crossing my mind,” Parise said, at first.

Then he opened up, a bit.

“It means a lot,” Parise told The Post. “It means we have a lot of good, young players who are going to be here a long time.”

That means the Devils’ chances at keeping him are probably improved, if only slightly.

Zach Parise, the Devils, Devils, financial health, NHL, Capitals

Nypost.com

Tottenville still owns Staten Island A – despite starting in a major hole.

The Pirates, who were handed down three forfeits early in the year for using players not on the active roster, clinched a 28th straight division title on Friday with a 6-2 win at McKee/Staten Island.

Matt Tanzi went the distance, struck out 10 and allowed just two hits, Mike Sullivan had two RBIs, Andrew Boenzi scored twice and Anthony Capo added two hits, two RBIs and scored once for Tottenville (13-3), which has won 13 league games in a row. David Cruz had an RBI for MSIT (8-8).

Curtis 3, Susan Wagner 2: Daniel Newman struck out four and allowed five hits in going the distance, Daniel Murray had two hits and an RBI and Newman scored a run and stole a base for Curtis (9-6) in Staten Island A. Michael Bernstein had two hits and an RBI for Susan Wagner (7-8).

Walton 5, Lehman 1: Winslow Jimenez broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning with a two-run homerun, Greg Perdomo had three hits and Bruce Valentin went the distance, struck out nine and allowed three hits for Walton (4-9) in Bronx A East. Lehman is now 8-4 in Bronx A West.

James Madison 1, New Utrecht 0: Matt Zalon struck out eight in five shutout innings of one-hit ball for his fifth win, he also had two hits and Mike Fitzpatrick drove in Chris Vasquez with the game’s lone run for Madison (11-1) in Brooklyn A East. New Utrecht is now 9-4 in Queens A West.

Midwood 11, Lafayette 2: Joseph Dileo doubled twice, scored twice and drove in four runs, Michael Taormina had two hits, two RBIs and scored twice, Brandon Eng scored three runs and Danny Kaye struck out eight in five innings for the win for Midwood (8-5) in Brooklyn A West. Lafayette is 2-12 in Brooklyn A East.

Cardozo 10, Richmond Hill 0: Alexis Torres struck out six and allowed just two hits over five innings, Adrian Castano had three hits and scored twice and Nelson Santiago and Diego Gonzalez each drove in two runs for Cardozo (14-0) in Queens A East. Richmond Hill falls to 1-12 in Queens A West.

Long Island City 7, Aviation 0: Charlie Mendes tossed a two-hitter and struck out five, Kristian Jimenez scored two runs and Cristian Guerrero had three and scored once for LIC (8-5) in Queens A West. Aviation is 5-9 in Queens A East.

James Monroe 12, John F. Kennedy 0: Randy Perez tossed a two-hit shutout and struck out 13, Ivan Objio homered, doubled twice and had three RBIs and Ricky Parra had two hits, two RBIs and scored twice for Monroe (12-2), which snapped a two-game losing streak in Bronx A East. Kennedy is now 9-4 in Bronx A West.

FDR 5, Bushwick Campus 0: Joel Navarro struck out seven, allowed four hits and no earned runs for his third win, he also had two hits, an RBI and scored a run and Henry Dominquez drove in a run and scored once for FDR (7-6) in Brooklyn A West. Bushwick Campus is 3-11 is now

CLASS B

Robert F. Kennedy 20, Robert F. Wagner Jr. 6: Luca Altamirano had three hits, scored three runs and drove in five, Chris Regan had two hits, also scored three times and drove in four runs and Daniel Suarez had three hits, scored three runs and two RBIs for Robert F. Kennedy (7-3) in Queens B Central. Robert F. Wagner Jr. is now 3-9.

Prospect Heights 5, Maxwell 4: Carlin Morillo had three hits and scored a run, Walfi Regalado had two hits, an RBI and scored a run and he also struck out nine over five innings for Prospect Heights (9-5) in Brooklyn B Central. Maxwell falls to 3-9.

Hunter College 12, East Side Community 4: Drew Adler doubled twice, scored twice and drove in three runs, Matt Kunihiro scored three runs and drove in two and Charles Lutvak had two hits and scored two runs for Hunter College (4-6) in Manhattan B North. East Side Community is 2-9 in Manhattan B South.

Bread & Roses 3, Eleanor Roosevelt 2: Solomon Melendez had three hits and two RBIs and Jurik Chavarria struck out six and allowed five hits in a complete-game performance for Bread & Roses (5-6) in Manhattan B Central. Roosevelt is 5-5 in Manhattan B North.

Washington Irving 6, LaGuardia 2: Mike Flores had two hits and scored two runs, Melvin Ali and Kilvio Polanco each had an RBI and scored a run and Miguel Rivera Sanchez struck out nine over six innings for Washington Irving (10-2) in Manhattan B South. LaGuardia is 6-4 in Manhattan B Central.

WHEELS 7, Bayard Rustin 6: Daniel Guillermo homered, tripled, scored twice and drove in four runs and Alvin Valdez and Junior Cruz added an RBI and run scored each for WHEELS (6-2) in Manhattan B North. Bayard Rustin is 2-9 in Manhattan B Central.

zbraziller@nypost.com

John F. Kennedy, Susan Wagner, Robert F. Kennedy, Robert F. Wagner Jr., Daniel Newman, Staten Island A. Michael Bernstein, Staten Island, F. Kennedy, Brooklyn A West, East Side Community, Daniel Murray

Nypost.com

MIAMI — Ronny Cedeno was activated from the disabled list yesterday and thrown right into the Fish Tank.

The veteran infielder had better be prepared to swim, as he will be the Mets’ starting shortstop until Ruben Tejada returns from the DL.

Cedeno started at shortstop last night and was 1-for-2 with two walks in the Mets’ 6-5 loss to the Marlins after spending three weeks sidelined with a strained left oblique.

“It was tough in the beginning because I [had] never hurt my oblique,” Cedeno said before the game. “The first couple of [rehab] games I was a little scared to swing, but now I feel good. Just be confident and try to figure out my swing again.”

Getty Images

FAMILIAR FACE: Former Met Jose Reyes makes the play during the Marlins’ 6-5 victory last night in Miami.

To make room for Cedeno, the Mets optioned utilityman Vinny Rottino to Triple-A Buffalo. Manager Terry Collins previously said Jordany Valdespin would be sent out, but the rookie now figures into the Mets’ immediate plans.

Collins said the need for a second lefty bat off the bench behind Mike Baxter, and the fact the Mets won’t have another day off until May 31 worked in the favor of Valdespin, who would receive starts as Cedeno, Daniel Murphy and David Wright receive days off.

“As a prospect, [Valdespin] should be in the lineup every day,” Collins said. “You would like that, but in our case we’re going to have to pick and choose some spots to get him in here the next couple of weeks.”

Valdespin earned the right to stay after hitting a three-run homer in the ninth inning on Monday in Philadelphia as a pinch hitter, leading the Mets to victory.

Tejada (quad) has been on the disabled list since Monday and Collins said he still is hopeful his shortstop won’t need more than the 15 days to return.

* Rob Johnson returned home to Austin, Texas, on Thursday for the birth of his daughter London Grace. Johnson rejoined the team before last night’s game and is expected to start behind the plate today. ... The Mets last night played the 8,000th game in franchise history. The team’s all-time record is 3,829-4,163 with eight ties.

mpuma@nypost.com

Ronny Cedeno, the Mets, Ruben Tejada, Terry Collins, Jordany Valdespin, disabled list, disabled list, Vinny Rottino, Daniel Murphy, Former Met Jose Reyes, Marlins, Mike Baxter, shortstop, shortstop

Nypost.com

The Devils have done a great job of staying focused, not letting anything distract them in winning their first two rounds of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Halfway to their goal, in the final four, that could be a lot harder to do now, especially if they end up playing the rival Rangers.

The Rangers and Capitals will play their Game 7 Saturday night at the Garden, with the winner facing the Devils on Monday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. Game 2 is set for Wednesday.

The potential matchup with the Rangers — who have played the Devils five previous times in the playoffs — wasn’t lost on Martin Brodeur.

“I think a lot of people are looking at that to be a great matchup,’’ said Brodeur after Thursday’s intense practice. “If it happens to be the Rangers, I think people will be very happy in this area. One way or the other, the press doesn’t matter, it’s just what we do.’’

“That’s the playoffs. You get [distractions] eventually. But definitely playing the Rangers is a bigger feeling in this area. A lot of people come out from the woodworks to really look at this series and try to be a part of it somehow.’’

Brodeur has played in all five playoff meetings between the two clubs dating back to 20 years ago when he made his first playoff appearance against the Rangers in 1992. The Devils have won only one of those five series, a sweep in the first round in 2006. But as his teammates were quick to point out, don’t dismiss the Capitals just yet. They already have won a Game 7 on the road this postseason, in the first round against the Bruins.

“Washington is playing great right now, so it is going to be a tough Game 7,’’ Petr Sykora said. “Whoever is going to win is going to play in the next round and to me, personally, it doesn’t matter.”

The 35-year old Sykora has played in five Stanley Cup Finals, having won two (2000, New Jersey; 2009, Pittsburgh). He also has been on both sides of the Devils-Rangers rivalry, having played on the Rangers in 2006, losing to the Devils in the playoffs.

“When you start choosing your opponents, you are digging your own grave,’’ he said. “Be ready for whoever you play. Get excited the same way.’’ ‘We are playing for the Stanley Cup Finals, so don’t really try to choose who you are going to play.”

While the Devils may not care whom they face in the next round, some players said they would watch Game 7 tomorrow, like David Clarkson

“I’ll watch, for sure,’’ he said. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t going to be at home with the game on or watching parts of it, anyway. I probably won’t watch the whole game, but I will definitely watch parts of it.”

“At this time of the season, I like playing anywhere. But we obviously have that rivalry with New York. It is always there, but for us, for me, who do I want to play? It doesn’t really matter,” Clarkson said.

Others Devils, such as Zach Parise, said they weren’t sure if they would watch tomorrow.

“I don’t care either way,’’ he said. “I don’t know if I will be watching or not. I will probably pay attention to the score, but I don’t know if I’ll watch it.”

Patrik Elias said he will be watching soccer instead.

“If that’ll happen, us playing the Rangers, then there’s going to be different kind of distractions, and we will just have to do the same thing, and stay focused,” he said.

Devils coach Peter DeBoer, who has had his squabbles with Rangers coach John Tortorella this season, wouldn’t elaborate on the possibility of facing them in the conference finals.

“Whoever comes through, you are into the last four teams in the best league in the world. They all deserve to be there and they are all going to be very tough. We can’t get picky here. We are just happy we are one of them,” he said.

david.satriano@nypost.com

The Devils, Rangers, Rangers, Stanley Cup playoffs, Stanley Cup Finals, Capitals

Nypost.com

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Mike Smith stopped 32 shots and the Coyotes beat the Predators 2-1 last night to earn their first trip to the Western conference finals.

The Coyotes learned earlier in the day that a tentative deal with a new owner had been reached.

They followed up with another tight victory, withstanding a late goal by Nashville’s Colin Wilson to reach the conference finals for the first time in 33 years as an NHL franchise.

Derek Morris and Martin Hanzal each scored and Smith nearly had an empty-net goal to set off a raucous celebration in the desert. Phoenix will face the Kings, the first No. 8 seed to knock off Nos. 1 and 2 in the same playoffs.

Nashville fell short of the conference finals for the second straight season despite getting forwards Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn back from two-game suspensions and Wilson’s late goal. The Predators hit the post at least three times and managed one goal despite outshooting the Coyotes 33-17.

The Coyotes got some long-awaited good news before the game, when NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the league had a tentative deal to sell the team to former San Jose Sharks CEO Greg Jamison.

There’s no official sale agreement yet and Jamison still needs to work out lease details with the city of Glendale.

Coyotes, Western Conference, Colin Wilson, NHL, Mike Smith, tentative deal, Martin Hanzal, GLENDALE, Ariz., Alexander Radulov, conference finals, Gary Bettman, Andrei Kostitsyn, The Predators, San Jose Sharks

Nypost.com

The Orioles weren’t quite up to the task last night against the Rangers, so their winning streak stopped at five, and more importantly, Hondo’s stopped at one, while his deficit swelled to 900 turleys.

Tonight, Mr. Aitch expects Nova to star in El Bronx — 10 units on the Yanks to do a number on the one and only Jimmy Shields. Also, he’ll stay busy with the Nats, D’backs, Dodgers and Mariners — 10 apiece.

-$

Catherine Scalia, aka the “Hot Dog Hooker,” says when she gets out of jail she plans to get “back out there with a bikini top and a G-string.” Members of the Secrete Service’s Elite Prostitution Commando Unit have volunteered to conduct a thorough probe . . . Woody Allen had a Saturday night dinner date with Lindsay Lohan reportedly to talk to her about her failing career. Then again, maybe he wants his wife Soon-Yi to adopt her so he can take pictures of her naked, then marry her.

hondo@nypost.com

Jimmy Shields, Yanks, Lindsay Lohan, Dodgers, Nats, Rangers, Woody Allen, Mariners, Orioles

Nypost.com

There has been little upheaval in the rankings of late, but we do have some movement.

We have a new No. 2 as Riverdale, who is streaking right now, jumps one spot over Fordham Prep, which lost to Iona Prep last week. These are some changes at the bottom as well. Farrell, which is playing its best lacrosse of the season, moves over rival New Dorp in the seventh spot. Congrats to fifth-ranked Tottenville for winning the PSAL Championship division title.

Check out this week’s version of the rankings:

1. Fieldston (9-2) (Last week: 1)

Fieldston is looking up at Hackley in the Ivy League, but the rest of the league is looking up at the Eagles. Despite losing to Hackley, Fieldston took care of Poly and Trinity last week. Tanner Morris and Jake Schneider each had three goals and an assist and Ben Pruzen scored four times against the Blue Devils.

Denis Gostev

Fordham Prep and Connor Smith drops a spot to No. 3 after losing to Iona Prep last week.

Next: @ Riverdale (May 9, 4:15 p.m.)

2. Riverdale (8-3) (3)

The Falcons have won six straight since a loss to Hackley, including a win over Stepinac on Monday and a thrilling 11-10 win over Dalton last week. They get a rematch with rival Fieldston that has major implications on the playoffs Wednesday. The Eagles took the first meeting at home.

Next: No. 1 Fieldston (May 8, 4:15 p.m.)

3. Fordham Prep (3-6) (2)

A fifth straight win over rival Iona Prep wasn't meant to be. Fordham Prep couldn't find any offense and watched the Gaels celebrate in The Bronx. The Rams can still get redemption when the two meet in the playoffs. They rebounded with a 15-1 whipping of Stepinac.

Next: @ Xaverian (May 8, 4:30 p.m.)

4. Dalton (5-3) (4)

Dalton has proved they can hang with the big boys, but have struggled to get wins against the upper-echelon teams, including a crushing 11-10 loss to Riverdale. The Tigers will look to get back on track against Horace Mann this week before games with Poly Prep and Fieldston.

Next: @ Horace Mann (May 9, 4:15 p.m.)

5. Tottenville (10-1) (5)

It was a huge last two weeks for the Pirates. A week after celebrating a Staten Island Lacrosse League championship game victory over Farrell and their second straight crown, they beat rival New Dorp 7-1 to claim the top seed in the PSAL playoffs. Tottenville will now look to add a city crown to their accolades.

Next: Midwood/Hunter winner, PSAL Class A semifinals (May 17, TBD p.m.)

6. Poly Prep (5-6) (6)

Things went as well as to be expected for Poly last week. The Brooklyn school nearly knocked off Fieldston and took care of business against Horace Mann. A stiff challenge against Hackley awaits this week as the Blue Devils get a chance to show that they will be a a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs as they look to defend their NYSAISAA title.

Next: Hackley (May 9, 6:30 p.m.)

7. Monsignor Farrell (6-1) (8)

The Lions rebounded from their Staten Island League Championship loss to Tottenville with wins over St. Joseph by the Sea and St. Dominic, thanks to a big save by Joseph Leo. The season's most important game awaits this week. They take on fellow unbeaten Stepinac with first place in the NYCHSAA Class A division on the line Wednesday.

Next: Archbishop Stepinac (May 8, 5:30 p.m.)

8. New Dorp (10-2) (7)

New Dorp has established itself as one of the PSAL’s best teams, but beating rival Tottenville seems to be a problem. The Central Cougars have lost all three meetings against the Pirates including a 7-1 loss last week, costing them the top seed in the upcoming playoffs.

Next: Cardozo/Columbus winner (April 17, TBD)

9. Mount St. Michael (4-5) (9)

The Mountaineers won't go into the playoffs as a favorite to repeat as champions, but they will certainly be capable of doing so. Mount picked up a key win over Xaverian last week to keep itself itself in third place. Goalie Arben Gashi came up big and Ty Davis had two goals in the Mountaineers victory.

Next: No. 3 Fordham Prep (May 10, 4 p.m.)

10. Benjamin Cardozo (8-4) (10)

The Judges came up just short against New Dorp on Monday losing 4-3 in the final game of the regular season. The two could likely meet again in the PSAL semifinals. Cardozo might be rounding into form at just the right time.

Next: Columbus, PSAL Class A quarterfinals (May, 4:30 p.m.)

New: None

Dropped out: None

On the bubble: Midwood (6-4), Trinity (5-6), Cardinal Spellman (3-5) and Xaverian (1-5).

jstaszewski@nypost.com

Fordham Prep, Fordham Prep, Iona Prep, New Dorp, New Dorp, Tottenville, Tottenville, Fieldston, Fieldston, Riverdale, Horace Mann, Fordham Prep, PSAL, PSAL, Hackley, Monsignor Farrell, The Eagles, Archbishop Stepinac, Poly Prep, PSAL Championship division

Nypost.com