<rss version="0.91">
<channel>
<title>www.bi-me.com RSS feed for &#8211; Syria</title>
<link>http://www.bi-me.com</link>
<description>Middle Eastern Business News and Data</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title><![CDATA[Over half of UAE employers plan to recruit in next quarter]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44290</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. More than half of the region&#039;s employers, 56%, plan to recruit over the next few months, according to the new Jobs Index study conducted by Bayt.com and YouGov Siraj. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Human Dimensions announces the launching of Thomas International Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43493</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. &#039;Thomas International Middle East&#039;, which will be dedicated to providing consultation services utilising Thomas International Systems&#039; psychometric tests and job profiling assessments.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai TV reporter still missing in Tehran]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43062</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. A Syrian reporter working for Dubai TV in Iran has reportedly gone missing during anti-government protests in Tehran.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[70% of online users in the UAE feel virtual interaction is slowly replacing personal contact ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42943</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Almost three quarters of internet users in the Middle East and North Africa region believe that online activity has disrupted normal social activity to the extent that today&#039;s human relationships are now mostly &#039;virtual&#039;, according to a study by Bayt.com and YouGov Siraj. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Volkswagen Middle East hosts regional qualifier of 2009 Service Qualification World Championship ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42061</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Volkswagen Middle East invited its partners in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, KSA, Bahrain, Syria and Oman to participate in the regional round of its 2009 Volkswagen Service Qualification Championship.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Majid al-Futtaim Group to invest US$4 billion on 10 new Middle East shopping malls]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41721</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. MAF Shopping Malls plans to enter Syria by building two new centers in Damascus, as well as one in Beirut, Lebanon. The company will also announce a new project in Saudi Arabia.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East IPO market in decline, says Ernst &amp; Young]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41648</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The initial public offering market in the Middle East has declined according to the figures in the Ernst &amp; Young Middle East IPO Update for the third quarter of 2009. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Memac Ogilvy launches operation in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41530</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Memac Ogilvy droubi to offer full scope of marketing and advertising services in Damascus with plan to enter other regions in the near future.

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<title><![CDATA[Saudi, Syria in agreement to boost trade and investment]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40931</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Saudi Arabia and Syria agreed to promote trade and investment between the two regional powerhouses, as Saudi King Abdullah wrapped up a visit to Syria.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Saudi king in Syria for two-day official visit as relations improve]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40898</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Saudi Arabia&#039;s King Abdullah arrived in Syria on Wednesday in a further sign of warming ties between the two Arab states.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[EU close to agreeing offer to Syria on ties  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40021</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The European Union is close to agreeing an offer to Syria of closer ties, the 27-country bloc&#039;s commissioner for external relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said on Friday.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Amadeus reports steady growth in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39957</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Amadeus Syria today reported that it has attained a positive growth rate and has successfully expanded its business among the travel agents in Syria in the past seven months.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Emaar&#039;s Syrian venture on track]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39345</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Dubai-based Investment Group Overseas said the merger of its partner Emaar Properties with fellow UAE firms will not derail a Syrian development worth about US$1.1 billion.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria, Turkey call for &#039;political will&#039; to quit occupied Arab territories]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39147</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad yesterday urged Israel to show &#039;real political will&#039; and withdraw from occupied Arab land. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Assad offers informal invitation to Obama for talks in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38639</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said he would be willing to meet US President Barack Obama in Syria to discuss Middle East peace efforts, in an interview with Britain&#039;s Sky News.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria seeking multi-billion financial sector investments]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38440</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Government says it is &#039;serious&#039; about developing Islamic finance and plans to invest US$30 billion.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Mandate of UN force in Golan Heights extended for further six months]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38331</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Despite relative calm in the area, the continued presence of UNDOF considered to be &#039;essential&#039;.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria sets terms for co-operation with UN court]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38264</link>
<description><![CDATA[ SYRIA. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad outlined &#039;conditions&#039; for co-operating with the UN special court probing the murder of Lebanon&#039;s ex-premier Rafik al-Hariri, in a French television interview yesterday.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria has &#039;crucial&#039; role in peace, says US envoy]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37816</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. George Mitchell&#039;s visit follows President Obama&#039;s major Middle East speech.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Wared Logistics wins major contracts in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36964</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Wared Transport provides specialised truckload transportation services.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Assad blasts Israel as major peace obstacle]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36761</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad launched a tirade against Israel yesterday, branding it the &#039;major obstacle&#039; to peace in the Middle East and backing the right of resistance to recover occupied land.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Amadeus outlines growth and expansion plans in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=35038</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Local operations launched in partnership with Syrian Arab Airlines.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Zain plans US$5 billion new acquisitions by 2011 ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=34629</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Zain wants to expand in Asia, Africa and the Middle East and is currently in talks to move into the Syrian market.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US team hopeful after Syria talks]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=34421</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. A visiting US congressional team met Syria&#039;s President Bashar al-Assad yesterday and voiced optimism that the two countries could work together to advance their common interests in the region. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria launched Damascus Securities Exchange]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=33173</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syria launched its first stock exchange this week after years of delays, in the latest step to liberalise the country&#039;s largely state-controlled economy.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US centre brings leading scientists to Syria for dialogue on science and health]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=32962</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. High-level science, higher education and health experts, including a Nobel Laureate from the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC), have arrived in Damascus. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria attracts Gulf retail investors as it opens up economy]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=30482</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. UAE companies are looking at opportunities in Syria, which has a small number of hypermarket chains.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syrian budget deficit widens to US$5.32 billion in 2009]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=29039</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Budget is based on estimates of the prices of Syrian light oil crude and heavy crude at US$51 and US$42 per barrel.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Aoun sees &#039;bright future&#039; for ties with ex-foe Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=28347</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Lebanese Christian opposition leader Michel Aoun yesterday predicted a &#039;bright future&#039; for ties between Lebanon and his former foe Syria after talks in Damascus with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UK reported successful in hammering out Syria intelligence agreement]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=27704</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Britain&#039;s Foreign Minister, David Miliband, made a landmark visit to Damascus on Tuesday. He&#039;s the first British top diplomat to visit Damascus since 2001. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria uranium traces not conclusive, says IAEA]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=27558</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Traces of uranium found at a Syrian site bombed by Israel last year were not sufficient evidence of nuclear activity there, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog said yesterday. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria says Iraq agreement rewards occupation]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=27559</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Syria yesterday criticised the proposed military pact between Iraq and the US, saying it rewarded American occupation of its Arab neighbour. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Mohammad bin Rashid Foundation signs MoU with Syrian Computer Society&#039;s ICT Incubator ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=27461</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Established to build the information society in Syria and nurture entrepreneurial ideas, the ICT Incubator currently provides a variety of services and training to projects that are commercially viable.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria stops aid vessel unloading Iraq refugees&#039; rice]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=27212</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Order to stop the 8,000 metric ton Bmc Genesis at Latakia comes at a time of heightened tension between Syria and Iraq in the wake of a US raid on Syria from Iraqi territory that killed at least eight people.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[IHG brings Holiday Inn brand to Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=27067</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the signing of an exclusive agreement with Hedley International Syria to develop Syria&#039;s first Holiday Inn in the country&#039;s historic capital, Damascus.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria airs car bomb &#039;confessions&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=27002</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syrian state TV has shown what it says are confessions by 11 militants behind the car bomb attack in Damascus in September which left 17 people dead. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria raid &#039;killed major target&#039;, says US]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=26533</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. A US helicopter raid into Syria killed a key figure involved in the smuggling of foreign fighters into Iraq, unnamed US officials have said. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Baghdad condemns &#039;US Syria raid&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=26556</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Iraq has denounced a raid into Syria at the weekend, saying it does not want its territory to be used as a launch-point for US attacks on its neighbours. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US forces, helicopters attack Syrian village along Iraq border]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=26417</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Nine people were killed on Sunday when US helicopter gunships and airborne troops attacked a Syrian village along the border with Iraq.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria to establish Lebanon ties]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=25701</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syria has issued a decree to open full diplomatic ties with Lebanon for the first time since independence 60 years ago.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Majid Al Futtaim Group to invest US$1 billion in &#039;New Damascus&#039;   ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=25161</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Majid Al Futtaim Group, the region&#039;s premier developer of shopping malls, has announced plans to invest an initial US$1 billion to build Syria&#039;s largest ever mixed-use development.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria rejects opening military sites to nuclear probe]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=25150</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syria said on Friday it was cooperating fully with a UN inquiry into its nuclear activity but would not go as far as opening up military sites because this would undermine its national security.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria car bomb kills 17 ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=24934</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. A car bomb exploded near a Shiite shrine in southern Damascus on Saturday killing 17 people and wounding 14 others, in one of the deadliest attacks in over a decade, state television said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulfsands Petroleum develops Khurbet East oil production]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=24193</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Khurbet East oil field production exceeds 11,500 barrels per day.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria-France relations &#039;no threat to Iran&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=24067</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. As France is endeavouring to seal closer relations with Syria and further away from Iran, Tehran says warm relations between the two countries do not threaten the Islamic Republic. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Sarkozy joins Middle East talks for rehabilitation of Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=23962</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Four-way summit held among presidents al-Assad, Sarkozy, the emir of Qatar and Turkish prime minister.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Madar Holding continues to build its business in Sudan, expands operations to Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=23813</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Madar, a subsidiary of Alfozan Group, entered Sudan in 2006 where it built a strong presence in both the steel and timber trading businesses. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria denies Russian Iskander missile deployment]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=23687</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syria denied on Friday that it was considering hosting an advanced Russian missile system, a day after President Bashar Al Assad held talks with Russian officials about upgrading his country&#039;s military.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanese cabinet approves diplomatic ties with Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=23694</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Lebanon&#039;s new cabinet passed a resolution on Thursday to establish diplomatic relations with Syria, Information Minister Tareq Mitri announced after the meeting.

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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon and Syria to establish diplomatic relations, demarcate borders]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=23512</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syria and Lebanon agreed on Thursday to take formal steps to demarcate their borders as part of a string of decisions to normalise their relations for the first time after decades of tension.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria key to peace, top cleric tells EU]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=23478</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syria is the principal place for peace in the Arab region, the country&#039;s top Muslim cleric said yesterday during a meeting with visiting European Parliament President Hans-Gert Poettering. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Damascus Stock Exchange gets ready for Syria&#039;s new era]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=23468</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Observers of Syria&#039;s multifaceted insurance, banking and capital markets reform programme, launched in 2005, are now fixing their gaze on what many hope will be the jewel in its crown, the Damascus Stock Exchange (DSE).]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria&#039;s Assad arrives in Iran for talks]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=23132</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syria is Iran&#039;s closest Arab ally and the two leaders are expected to discuss Tehran&#039;s nuclear ambitions in Saturday&#039;s meeting.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria ready for normal relations with Israel as part of potential peace deal]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=22444</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Whether it&#039;s called normal relations or a normalisation makes little difference. These are normal relations, just like any relations between two states with embassies, links and treaties.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Lebanon and Syria to open embassies]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=22415</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Lebanon and Syria said yesterday  that they had agreed to establish diplomatic relations, opening  embassies in each others&#039; capitals for the first time since their independence from colonial rule. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[EU says early partnership pact possible with Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=22443</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The European Union could sign a long-stalled partnership pact with Syria this year, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said on Sunday at a Paris summit that marked a new detente between Europe and Damascus.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Mediterranean summit aims to boost economic cooperation, Mideast peace]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=22391</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. By attending the  summit in Paris, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will be making his grand return to the international diplomatic scene.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria&#039;s Assad arrives in Paris for turning point visit ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=22392</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Assad has suggested that the energetic Sarkozy could play a direct role in Israeli-Syrian talks. Syria hopes that France would play an active role in achieving peace and development in the region.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN observer force in Golan extended for six months]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=21906</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. The United Nations Security Council on Friday extended for another six months the UN observer force stationed in the disputed Golan Heights territory.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Nuclear inspectors in Syria probe]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=21624</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. UN nuclear inspectors have arrived in Syria to investigate claims that it was building a nuclear reactor. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital takes its programme to Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=21400</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. As blindness remains a major public health problem, unique aircraft conducts ophthalmic treatment and training programme in Syria.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syrian national anthem played for Lebanese]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=21232</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Saudi Arabian football authorities are investigating an error that led to the Syrian national anthem being played before a match against Lebanon. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Al Badia signs MoU with CBMI for 3.2 million ton capacity cement plant in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=21186</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Al Badia Cement, under formation by its Saudi, Syrian and Italian owners, is one of the largest industrial projects in Syria.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait Investment Authority eyes Syria investments]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=21154</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Kuwait&#039;s sovereign wealth fund is considering investing in Syria, according to a report, as Gulf Arab states seek new investment targets for their windfall gains from oil sales. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Aman approved to operate in Syria&#039;s insurance market]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=21007</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Step comes as a part of Dubai company&#039;s strategy to expand in the region, and to reach to other markets in the future. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Damascus eatery earns the title of world&#039;s biggest restaurant]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=20818</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. A restaurant in the Syrian capital Damascus, which has seating for up to 6,012 people, was due this week to become the world&#039;s biggest restaurant after it is officially listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN welcomes indirect peace talks between Syria and Israel]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=20488</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed in a statement the recent announcement that Syria and Israel have started holding indirect peace talks aimed at resolving their long-running conflict.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Israel sets demands in new Syrian peace track]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=20537</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Israel set terms for concluding a peace deal with Syria this week, closing ranks again with Washington in demanding Damascus distance itself from Iran and stop supporting Palestinian and Lebanese militants.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[MA Kharafi Group to create integrated InterContinental leisure development in Damascus]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=20010</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. The MA Kharafi Group of Kuwait has established the Kiwan Tourist Investment Co to build, finance, equip, and operate a major tourism and commercial project.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Only 4% of Iraqis in Syria plan to return home]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=19710</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Only 4% of Iraqi refugees currently plan to return to their own country, while almost all have fled their homeland because of direct threats or general insecurity, according to a report from the United Nations refugee agency. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Envoy sees Syria-Israel agreement soon]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=19617</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Turkish leaders have been fervently pursuing a proposal to make lasting peace between Israel and Syria by following the path of &#039;quiet diplomacy&#039;.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN nuclear agency to probe claim on Syrian nuclear facility bombed by Israel]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=19553</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. The United Nations atomic watchdog pledged today to conduct an investigation after receiving information from the US alleging that a Syrian installation destroyed by Israel last year contained a nuclear reactor.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[North Korea &#039;linked to Syria reactor&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=19526</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Officials say the site was the target of an Israeli attack last year.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Carter holds more talks with Hamas in Syria before leaving for Saudi Arabia]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=19344</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. The former US President proposed a truce between Israel and Hamas, an exchange of prisoners, the lifting of the Israeli blockade of the Gaza strip, and a solution to the Rafah terminal.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Petrofac wins Syrian gas contract from Petro-Canada]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=18884</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Petrofac, the UK oil and gas services provider with projects in the Middle East, the North Sea and Kazakhstan, won a US$477 million contract from Petro-Canada to build a natural-gas treatment plant in Syria. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria and Saudi Arabia get closer on Lebanon]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=18670</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Syria&#039;s President Assad promised Arab leaders at an annual summit on Saturday to cooperate in ending a political crisis in Lebanon, and regional power Saudi Arabia said it saw Damascus as part of the solution.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab summit opens, Syria denies interfering in Lebanon]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=18642</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Lebanon says it had decided to boycott the annual gathering because of Syrian meddling in Lebanese affairs, and the presidential vacuum was clear evidence of such interference.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab summit in Syria to discuss Lebanon, peace initiative]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=18635</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. The Arab summit scheduled to take place in Syria this weekend will discuss divisions worsened by the crisis in Lebanon, foreign ministers said on Thursday, but the absence of the Saudi, Egyptian, Jordanian and Lebanese leaders could make bridging differences difficult.

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<title><![CDATA[Turkcell footprint set to expand in Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=18466</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. A recent development for Turkcell is the company&#039;s apparent interest in purchasing 51% of Syria&#039;s SyriaTel Mobile from majority shareholder Rami Makhlouf. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria expands censorship on Internet]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=18298</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Syrian authorities have ordered Internet cafe users to reveal their identity, the latest measure in their &#039;iron censorship&#039; of cyberspace, a Syrian monitoring group said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US may be ready to go to war with Syria to defend Lebanon]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=18090</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. A recent electronic mail leaked by Egypt unveils US readiness to launch wide-scale military offensive against Syria if the Assad regime sticks to its policy towards Lebanon, Germany&#039;s DPA news agency reported.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UAE president confirms he will attend Arab summit in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=18049</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The UAE became the first of the six Gulf Arab states to confirm its attendance of the summit at head of state level, a day after Arab foreign ministers met in Cairo to discuss the protracted Lebanese crisis and preparations for the summit.
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf firms unveil Syria mega-projects, skirting sanctions]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=17798</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. Two large Gulf property companies plan to invest US$450 million in Syria as part of their expansion in emerging markets.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Egypt&#039;s Mubarak says Syria part of Lebanon crisis]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=17776</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said Syria was part of the problem in Lebanon, calling on Damascus to help resolve the 15-month crisis before hosting an Arab summit next month.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab summit in Damascus threatened if no solution in Lebanon says Welch]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=17630</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch has said the Lebanese crisis could put an Arab Summit to be hosted by Syria next month in jeopardy.

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<title><![CDATA[Ruler of Dubai to visit Iran and Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=17466</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. During his visit, Sheikh Mohammed will hold talks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. Delegations travelling with him include the aviation and industry sectors.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[AT Kearney says Levant countries need to step up efforts to attract investment]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=17389</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The most recent Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index released by AT Kearney shows that the Middle East economies are still far behind countries such as Singapore, in attracting foreign direct investment.
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<title><![CDATA[WFP, UNHCR boost assistance to Iraqi refugees in Syria amid lack of funds]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=17308</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) began a massive distribution of food and other items on Sunday, to over three times more vulnerable Iraqi refugees than assisted in the past.  ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria-based Arab Union Reinsurance Co rated &#039;BB&#039; outlook stable]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=16569</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. S&amp;P said ratings reflect the company&#039;s marginal competitive position in the international reinsurance sector, and its marginal investment portfolio currently centred on unrated banks. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Qatar investors in US$19 million Syrian International Insurance deal]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=16095</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Qatar International Islamic lines up alongside the new investors.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai Media offers US$8 million for building news centre in Syria]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=15942</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI) will establish a modern news centre at the Syrian television hub in Damascus, a senior Dubai Media official announced.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US urges UN to impose sanctions on Syria for obstructing Lebanon vote]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=15989</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. This American position came about shortly after the head of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri decided to postpone yesterday&#039;s meeting for electing the president of the Lebanese republic until 29 December.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[11th Arab Businessmen Forum kicks off Saturday in Damascus]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=15841</link>
<description><![CDATA[JORDAN. The forum seeks to enhance partnership between the public and private sectors in the Arab countries.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Forecast 2008: World economy faces a difficult year, as problems in the West spread East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=15798</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Standard Charterered Global Focus concludes that it is time for the GCC to adjust the dollar pegs. The US dollar remains in a multi-year downtrend, but it may see a vicious rebound in first half 2008 with the Middle East only partially isolated from the global trends.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Analysis: Signs abound that Syria&#039;s isolation is ending]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=15666</link>
<description><![CDATA[SYRIA. No one expects a dramatic warming of US-Syrian ties, but since the Annapolis meetings, Syrian analysts and Western diplomats are speaking of modest prospects for constructive engagement after years of mutual mistrust.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Syria, Kuwait to jointly build US$3 billion oil refinery says report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=15475</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Syria is planning to build a US$3 billion refinery with Noor Financial Investment Company of Kuwait according to a news report from Industrial Info Resources]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN tries to resettle Palestinians trapped on Iraq-Syria border]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=14718</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The United Nations refugee agency said today that it is continuing to search for feasible resettlement options for almost 2,000 Palestinians stuck in camps on or near the Iraqi-Syrian border as recent sandstorms worsen the already-difficult living conditions inside the camps. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Analysis: Rents eating into Middle East pay cheques]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=14653</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. This Bayt.com household spending survey reveals that housing costs account for a third of personal expenses in the UAE and Qatar. Overall, many GCC residents are planning to buy rather than rent, but they are unsure if properties represent a good investment, at current prices.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Nanobac Pharma in diagnostic products agreement with DPC-Lebanon for Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=14291</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. US-based Nanobac Pharmaceuticals has announced the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement with DPC-Lebanon (DPCL) covering Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Egypt. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GulfTalent.com launches Middle East job search application on Facebook]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=14126</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Over 42 million Facebook users worldwide can now view and apply for job opportunities in the Middle East

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</channel>
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