<rss version="0.91">
<channel>
<title>www.bi-me.com RSS feed for &#8211; Lebanon</title>
<link>http://www.bi-me.com</link>
<description>Middle Eastern Business News and Data</description>
<language>en-us</language>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Special Tribunal for Lebanon to try four men accused of Hariri killing in absentia]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56487</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. The STL noted the multiple attempts by Lebanese authorities to find the accused men at their last known residences.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon &#039;B/B&#039; ratings affirmed]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56459</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. &quot;Lebanon continues to face internal and external political challenges, which constrain growth, hinder fiscal consolidation, and increase the country&#039;s vulnerability to a balance of payments crisis.&quot;]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Bjorn Z. Ekelund to speak at MENA launch of &#039;Diversity Icebreaker&#039; business tool in Beirut ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56379</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. ICTN announces availability of &#039;Diversity Icebreaker&#039; in Lebanon and the MENA region. Buisness tool increases productivity efficiency and thereby profitability.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Singer Lara Fabian cancels Lebanon gig]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56263</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Diva known for her French love songs, said she had pulled out of a planned Valentine&#039;s Day concert in Lebanon over &quot;threats.&quot;
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab Spring opens opportunities for digital entrepreneurs across the Middle East, says ArabNet]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56188</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. New wave of entrepreneurs hot on the heels of regional popular movements.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Ban Ki-moon underscores &#039;strong and unwavering&#039; UN commitment to Lebanon&#039;s security and stability ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56158</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Lebanon marks Mr. Ban&#039;s first trip abroad since beginning his second term as Secretary-General on 1 January. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab League warns of possible civil war in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56126</link>
<description><![CDATA[EGYPT. Arab League head Nabil Elaraby said on Friday he feared a possible civil war in Syria that could have consequences for neighboring countries.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanese Canadian Bank laundered money for Hezbollah, says US in lawsuit]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55786</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Lebanese Canadian Bank and two Lebanese exchange houses helped launder more than US$480 million for Hezbollah in a scheme that involved buying and selling used cars, the US said in a civil complaint. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[The World at her feet is off to Lebanon]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55708</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The World at her feet, a travel experience group for women in the Middle East, will head out to Lebanon on 26 January 2012.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[S&amp;P Indices and Arab Federation of Exchanges create S&amp;P AFE 40 Index ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55631</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The S&amp;P AFE 40 is comprised of the 40 largest stocks (measured by float-adjusted market capitalisation) listed on AFE member exchanges.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US$50 million Lebanon Growth Capital Fund launched]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55606</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Cisco, EIB and Riyada Enterprise Development will provide long-term capital and institutional support to small and medium enterprises in Lebanon. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN welcomes Lebanon&#039;s increased support for Special Tribunal]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55580</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. During a phone call with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his gratitude for the Government&#039;s decision to take on 49% of the 2011 budget for the tribunal.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Forbes Middle East unveils ranking of Top 63 online newspapers of the Arab world]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55542</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Egypt&#039;s Al Youm Al Sabe tops ranking for second year in a row.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Analysis: Katyusha rockets fired from Lebanon into Israel ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55539</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. So far, the situation appears to be contained, but the rocket fire is a reminder of one of several options both Syria and Iran could have at their disposal to counter rising regional pressure.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[&#039;Lebanon&#039;s economy has lost momentum reflecting domestic political uncertainty and regional unrest,&#039; says IMF]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55516</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Latest indicators are pointing to some pick-up in activity, and the economy could grow at 1%-2% in 2011.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Arab youth, key drivers of Arab development and democratization]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55471</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Issam Fares Institute-American University of Beirut and UNICEF launch new report on conditions, aspirations and activism of youth in the Middle East and North Africa.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN urges inclusive development and good governance in Arab countries]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55474</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro today urged countries in the Arab region to steer their economies towards sustainable development. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Ericsson Middle East Media Summit brings region closer to becoming a truly &#039;Networked Society&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55430</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Summit attended by heads of leading companies within industry from across the region; The event in Beirut follows the first NEST (Networked Society Forum) event in Hong Kong which took place earlier this month.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Damas rolls out new Farfasha marketing campaign featuring Nancy Ajram ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55223</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Lebanese superstar re-signed as brand ambassador for Damas&#039; most popular brand.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Credit Suisse hosts second annual MENA Equities Conference in Beirut ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55143</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Credit Suisse&#039;s second equities forum in the region provided participants the opportunity to share perspectives on MENA markets.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Young Arab Entrepreneurs set to compete at annual INJAZ Al-Arab regional competition 2011]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54737</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Students from 12 Arab nations to vie for highly converted &#039;Best Company of the year Award&#039; ]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Turkey, Egypt to drill for natural gas in the Mediterranean  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54509</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Turkish Energy Minister Taner Y&Auml;&plusmn;ld&Auml;&plusmn;z said during an official visit to Egypt that Turkey intends to cooperate with Egypt in searching for natural gas.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Middle East&#039;s first Nespresso personalized service boutique opens in Beirut ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54448</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. The Ultimate coffee experience gets even better in a renewed luxury environment; Coffee specialist at hand to guide clients through the range of 16 Grand Cru coffees. 

]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Lebanon budget to rise by 15% in 2012 ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54327</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Lebanon&#039;s 2012 government budget will increase by roughly 15% and the deficit will not be more than US$3 billion at best, the country&#039;s finance minister said. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon&#039;s seven-month trade deficit widens 4% on higher imports]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54325</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Imports rose 5% to US$10.9 billion, driven by a 52% gain in the cost of unwrought gold, un-mounted diamond and precious metals]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Credit default swaps: Lebanon safer than Dubai on loaded local lenders]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54103</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The cost of protecting Lebanon&#039;s bonds against default for five years fell 5 basis points last week to 375, while Dubai&#039;s contracts rose 3 basis points to 396, according to prices from CMA.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Compagnie Libanaise d&#039;Assurances renamed Zurich Insurance Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54033</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Zurich is also seeking approval from the local regulators in Oman, Lebanon and Kuwait to allow its branches in those countries to operate under the same name.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon&#039;s Parliament passes maritime border law]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53941</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Concerned about possible Israeli encroachment upon recently discovered offshore natural gas fields, Lebanon&#039;s Parliament has passed draft legislation demarcating its maritime borders with Israel.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Cairo named &#039;World&#039;s Most 24-Hour City&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53834</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Beirut ranks 3rd, New York &quot;the city that never sleeps&quot; ranks 32nd, London ranks 17th, Paris 18th; Malaga Europe&#039;s most 24-hour city. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran&#039;s dream for a Middle East gas pipeline]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53760</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Nothing gets oilmen more excited than the idea of building pipelines from exotic, hard to reach places to seaports where the product of their endeavors can be shipped to lucrative foreign markets.

]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Iran and Lebanon deepen energy ties]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53682</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Lebanon&#039;s Energy and Water Resources Ministry signed an MOU with Iran&#039;s Petroleum Ministry for closer cooperation in the field of energy.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon said to hire Blom Bank, Citigroup to refinance US$950 million debt]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53652</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Lebanon&#039;s finance ministry and the banks will sign the agreement either today or tomorrow ahead of meetings with investors next week]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon&#039;s government wins confidence vote ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53454</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Lebanon&#039;s new government under billionaire Najib Mikati won the parliamentary vote of confidence it needs to start work.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai&#039;s Majid Al Futtaim delays plan to sell bonds]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53392</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Majid Al Futtaim Holding, the Dubai-based owner of the City Center shopping malls, delayed plans to sell bonds until it can secure a better price. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Hezbollah rules out arrests in &#039;void&#039; UN Hariri case]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53357</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Saturday ruled out the arrest of four members of his militant group indicted by a UN court.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Lebanon braces for Hezbollah backlash over Hariri case]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53339</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Lebanon braced for a possible backlash after a UN-backed tribunal issued an indictment in which four Hezbollah members are named.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon receives Hariri indictment]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53324</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. A UN-backed court probing the 2005 murder of Lebanon&#039;s ex-premier Rafiq Hariri on Thursday submitted a sealed indictment in the case to the country&#039;s prosecutor general.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US company to begin drilling in Cyprus offshore waters by year end]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53242</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. U.S. company Noble Energy is to begin exploring Cyprus&#039; offshore Mediterranean Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by the end of this year.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon protests Israeli-Cypriot energy agreement]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53241</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Lebanon&#039;s Minister of Foreign Affairs Adnan Mansour has sent an official letter of protest to the UN objecting to a bilateral Israeli-Cypriot agreement delineating an exclusive economic zone (EEZ).]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Economy may prove tipping point for Syrian regime]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53226</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Syria&#039;s flailing economy could prove the tipping point for the regime of Bashar al-Assad as he seeks to quell a pro-democracy revolt.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Ericsson announces winners of networked society innovation award]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53150</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. The Competition was part of Ericsson&#039;s academic engagement program in Lebanon and saw over a 100 students from seven Lebanese universities take part.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Closing the Middle East jobs gap]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53112</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. High youth unemployment contributes to widespread unrest in the Middle East. What are the root causes of persistently high unemployment and how to improve job prospects in a region shaken by political change?]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon &#039;hostage&#039; to Syria, Hezbollah, says opposition]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53085</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. After nearly five months of wrangling, Najib Mikati announced the formation on Monday of a government in which the Shiite Hezbollah and its allies control 18 out of 30 portfolios.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf Air resumes flights to Lebanon ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52996</link>
<description><![CDATA[BAHRAIN. Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, today announced it will resume its flights between Bahrain and the Lebanon from 12 June.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[American University of Beirut panel discusses &#039;Citizen Revolt in the Middle East&#039; ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52790</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. A diverse academic panel from the American University of Beirut completed a three-day speaking tour at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in New York.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syrians in north Lebanon demand fall of Assad regime]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52669</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Dozens of Syrians who fled violence in their home towns gathered in north Lebanon on Monday to demand the fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad&#039;s regime.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Deadly gunfire at Syria-Lebanon border]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52648</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Gunfire from Syria raked a crowd at a border crossing in northern Lebanon, killing a woman and wounding five other people, a security official said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[American University of Sharjah students to perform play by legendary Lebanese composer]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52571</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Students from AUS have recently rehearsed Saif 840, written by the late Lebanese composer Mansour Rahbani, at the AUS Main Auditorium.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Prosecutor files amended indictment in Hariri probe]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52500</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The prosecutor of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon filed an amended indictment on Friday based on further evidence.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Atlantic Council launches Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52477</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Named for the former Lebanese Prime Minister, who was assassinated in 2005, the center will reflect Mr. Hariri&#039;s efforts to rise above the region&#039;s sectarianism and promote innovative policies to advance economic and political liberalization.

]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Iran denies interfering in Lebanon]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52087</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran&#039;s foreign ministry dismissed as &quot;unfounded&quot; an accusation by Lebanese caretaker premier Saad Hariri that Tehran was meddling in Beirut&#039;s affairs and holding Arab societies &quot;hostage.&quot;

]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Beirut real estate market continuing to boom]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52051</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Property prices increased by an average of about 25% over the last 5 year, and still rising about 10%, according to DAMAC Properties.
]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Al-Waleed Bin Talal tops Forbes list of the wealthiest Arabs]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52002</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. KSA, Egypt, Lebanon, UAE and Kuwait have the highest number of billionaires with KSA and Egypt leading the way with the highest number of billionaires.

]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Syria unrest has wide ramifications in Lebanon]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51855</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. &quot;Any change in Syria will have a huge impact on the balance of power in Lebanon,&quot; said political analyst Raghid al-Solh, an expert on the Arab world.
]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Bahrain bans Lebanon travel]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51807</link>
<description><![CDATA[BAHRAIN. Ban comes after Lebanon&#039;s Iranian-backed Shi&#039;ite Muslim group Hezbollah came out in support of weeks of protests by mainly Bahraini Shi&#039;ite demonstrators.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Arab web executives, entrepreneurs, developers, investors, and media to speak at ArabNet]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51494</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. A number of top global and regional leadership figures will address the four-day ArabNet summit in Beirut.

]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Alfa awards 3G contract to Ericsson to upgrade its mobile network in Lebanon ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51333</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Under the contract, Ericsson will be responsible for the upgrade and modernization of the current Alfa mobile network to 3G/ HSPA+ technology, across the country.

]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Bicharaf leadership camp on academic integrity rewarding for participants]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51293</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. At the leadership camp, students learned practical strategies to manage issues of academic integrity at their schools and cultural differences concerning academic integrity.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[2011 set to be the Year of the Arab entrepreneur, says ArabNet]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51184</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Ideas, energy and enthusiasm driving new regional digital start-ups: venture capital flows and deal growth explosive.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Bicharaf to host pivotal leadership camp on academic integrity for Lebanese high school students]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51057</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Bicharaf, the initiative for academic integrity and business ethics in the Arab region, is hosting a two-day leadership camp for Lebanese high school students.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN reaffirms support for Lebanon tribunal on 6th anniversary of ex-premier&#039;s death]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51027</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon marked the 6th anniversary of the murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri by stressing UN support for the court set up to uncover the truth despite the reported attempts by Hizbollah to close it down. 

]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Saad Hariri moves into Lebanon&#039;s opposition]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51020</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. &quot;Saad Hariri will ... clearly announce his move into Lebanon&#039;s opposition&quot; at a political conference on Monday, said the secretary general of Hariri&#039;s &quot;March 14&quot; alliance.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US accuses Lebanese bank of money laundering]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50975</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The Treasury said it was seeking to bar US financial institutions from doing business with the Beirut-based Lebanese Canadian Bank, designating it a &quot;primary money laundering concern&quot;.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Euphoria sweeps Arab World]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50968</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. As news spread of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak&#039;s ouster,  jubilant crowds took to the streets from Gaza to Beirut in celebration.
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<title><![CDATA[Report proposes Master Plan for Water for Peace in the Middle East ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50947</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The Middle East is likely to plunge into serious humanitarian crisis due to depletion of water resources, unless remedial measures are introduced urgently, says a new Strategic Foresight Group report.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[MerchantBridge mourns tragic death of two senior executives ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50906</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Basil Al Rahim, the founder and Chief Executive of MerchantBridge, and Abdallah Lahoud, Partner, were en route from Sulaimaniyah to Beirut when their plane crashed in unknown circumstances over Iraq. 

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<title><![CDATA[MASTERPAK to showcase horticultural films at Fruit Logistica 2011 ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50669</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. MASTERPAK, an ISO-certified manufacturing plant, will showcase agricultural and horticultural films used by fresh fruit and vegetable growers, processors and packers.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ArabNet 2011 digital summit to foster the ecosystem of entrepreneurship]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50651</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship supports the conference to inspire the youth in starting their own businesses.

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<title><![CDATA[Eurisko Mobility wins exclusive right to develop multi-platform mobile applications for MTV Lebanon]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50648</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Eurisko Mobility to develop various mobile applications for all major platforms (iPhone / iPad, BlackBerry, Android, Symbian, Windows Mobile).]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia warns citizens against travelling to Lebanon]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50599</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA. Saudi Arabia warned its citizens against travelling to Lebanon until &#039;calm and stability&#039; return, after a Tuesday&#039;s violent clashes in Tripoli and Beirut.

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<title><![CDATA[Hezbollah-backed Mikati set to lead Lebanon government]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50558</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Lebanese telecoms tycoon Najib Mikati, who is backed by Hezbollah and its allies, moved into position on Monday to lead a new government.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon&#039;s Hariri refuses to join Hezbollah-led government]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50554</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Former premier Najib Mikati was tipped as the top candidate for premiership after he secured the backing of Iranian-backed Hezbollah.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Outlook on three Lebanese banks revised to stable from positive after same rating action on sovereign]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50508</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. S&amp;P revising the outlook on Bank Audi, BankMed, and Blom Bank to stable from positive owing to their high exposure to the sovereign.
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<title><![CDATA[SkyTeam to welcome Middle East Airlines as future member ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50507</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. The national carrier of Lebanon, will sign an agreement on February 28 to officially start the process of joining SkyTeam in 2012]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia quits Lebanon mediation efforts]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50506</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Saudi Arabia on Wednesday warned of a &quot;dangerous&quot; situation as all eyes turned to a Turkish-Qatari bid to defuse tensions.

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<title><![CDATA[S&amp;P revises Lebanon&#039;s outlook to stable from positive on political uncertainty]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50484</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The collapse of the unity government in Lebanon, following the withdrawal of Hizbollah and its allies, has severely weakened prospects for structural adjustment and the achievement of sustainable economic growth over the medium term. 

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<title><![CDATA[UN&#039;s Lebanon tribunal submits Hariri murder indictment]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50442</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare has handed his indictments to pre-trial judge Daniel Fransen who will be tasked with confirming the charges before any arrest warrant or summons to appear can be issued.

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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon stocks drop for second day; Hariri to lead caretaker government]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50422</link>
<description><![CDATA[Lebanon. President Michel Suleiman has started consultations over the choice of a new premier; Hariri due to return to Beirut from a visit to France.
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<title><![CDATA[Hezbollah forces Lebanon government collapse over UN Hariri probe]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50411</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Lebanon&#039;s unity government collapsed  after the powerful Hezbollah and its allies resigned from the cabinet over a UN probe into the assassination of former premier Rafiq Hariri.

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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon government expected to collapse]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50391</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON.  Ministers from Lebanon&#039;s Hezbollah movement and its political allies will resign, forcing the collapse of Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri&#039;s government.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East property sector poised for growth in 2011, says DAMAC]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50160</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The property sectors in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Egypt are forecast to report double digit growth in 2011. 

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<title><![CDATA[Landmark Group launches Lebanon stores]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50159</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Strategic move in global expansion drive to add over 340,000 Sq. Ft. of retail space.

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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon sells seven-year bonds]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50071</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Lebanon sold US$1 billion of seven-year government bonds, its longest maturity for domestic borrowing. 

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<title><![CDATA[Healthy regional growth rates herald move from capital preservation to value creation, says Amwal AlKhaleej]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49964</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Leading global and regional speakers share insights at Saudi PE firm&#039;s 5th anniversary event.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UAE is first Middle East economy to join the global league of FTTH leaders]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49883</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Announcement made on the first day of the FTTH Middle East Conference 2010 in Beirut.

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<title><![CDATA[Diabetes awareness survey reveals alarming figures across the Middle East and Northern Africa region]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49866</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Conducted in October 2010, the survey aims to assess the level of awareness and knowledge among the general population with regard to causes, risks and complications of diabetes. 

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<title><![CDATA[DAMAC Tower in Beirut attracts top accolade at Bloomberg International Property Awards]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49838</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. DAMAC Properties, has won a prestigious International Property Award for DAMACTower, its landmark collaboration with VERSACE Home in Lebanon.  
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon, Turkey sign free trade agreement]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49741</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Turkey and Lebanon had agreed in June on establishing a free trade zone that also includes Jordan and Syria.
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon US$725 million bond sale oversubscribed]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49552</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Lebanon&#039;s sale of US$725 million of Eurobonds last week to refinance debt maturing this month was three times oversubscribed. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon&#039;s army commander &#039;worried&#039; ahead of UN indictment]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49431</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Lebanon&#039;s top army chief admitted on Saturday that he is concerned about tensions in the country ahead of an indictment from a UN-backed court on the assassination of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri.

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<title><![CDATA[Senior UN official warns of &#039;hyper-dangerous&#039; situation in Lebanon]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49423</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. United Nations Special Envoy Terje Roed-Larsen tells reporters that the situation in Lebanon is &quot;the most critical issue of international peace and security today&quot;.
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon hires Credit Suisse, Bank of Beirut for US$700 million bond sales]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49386</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBNON. The government plans to sell US$500 million of bonds maturating in eight years and US$200 million maturing in 12 years.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon 9-month budget deficit narrows on lower electricity subsidies]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49246</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Deficit narrowed to LBP3 trillion as the government spent less on subsidising its main electricity generating company. 
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<title><![CDATA[UN Hariri tribunal undeterred by Beirut clinic clash with probe team]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49215</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Two investigators and their interpreter were &quot;violently attacked&quot; by &quot;a large group of people,&quot; the Special Tribunal for Lebanon said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Intel Capital announces three investments at the World Economic Forum  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49205</link>
<description><![CDATA[MOROCCO.  Two new investments in Jordan&#039;s Jeeran and ShooFeeTV; Expands Middle East portfolio with Lebanon&#039;s Nymgo.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US CPA exam to be administered outside the US for the first time]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49133</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. AICPA, NASBA and Prometric reach historic agreement;  CPA Examination next year will be offered in Japan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon and the UAE. 
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon&#039;s INDEVCO to speak at Arab Beverage Conference 2010]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49125</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Maher Dabbous, INDEVCO Flexible Packaging Market Development Director, will speak on behalf of the group and present innovative beverage packaging trends and technologies at the conference.

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<title><![CDATA[Arab and international leaders to discuss the water crisis]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49058</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL Arab Forum for Environment and Development&#039;s annual conference takes place in November in Beirut.

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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon inflows ease while lending remains strong]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49009</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Capital inflows into Lebanon fell around 8% in the first eight months of the year to around US$11.9 billion, a senior banker said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[APC by Schneider Electric expands into Lebanon]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=48903</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. The world specialists in energy management aims to leverage its base in Lebanon to address the market&#039;s current power and cooling challenges ]]></description>
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