<rss version="0.91">
<channel>
<title>www.bi-me.com RSS feed for &#8211; Tunisia</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[British-French joint cooperation to support employment in Tunisia ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61849</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. The programme aims to improve the entrepreneurship skills of young Tunisians in the southern governorates of Gafsa, Kasserine, Medenine, and Tataouine, to enable them to create and grow their own small businesses. 

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<title><![CDATA[The AfDB boosts integrated development and governance in Tunisia]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61778</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. Agreements, amounting to 22.9 million euros, relating to the North Gafsa integrated development project (PDAI) and to the support and establishment of the e-government and open-government.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Geopolitical Analysis: Anarchy and Hegemony]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61631</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. In the case of the Middle East, do not conflate chaos with democracy. Democracy itself implies an unequal, hierarchal order, albeit one determined by voters.  What we have in many places in the Middle East is the weakening of central authority with no new hierarchy to adequately replace it.
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<title><![CDATA[Shubbak 2013: Mayor of London unveils plans for international festival of Arab culture]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61588</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. London&#039;s celebration of contemporary culture from across the Arab world was first launched in 2011.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Former US Army Chief and Congressman call for reform of US defense cooperation with Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61564</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. US defense cooperation should focus on promoting civilian control and defense modernization, according to new Atlantic Council report.
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<title><![CDATA[North African and Middle East countries poised to upgrade Concentrated Solar Power use]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61473</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. The African Development Bank (AfDB) and World Bank convened a workshop with representatives of Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia to review and upgrade the region&#039;s path-breaking regional Investment Plan for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), with funding from the Climate Investment Funds (CIF).]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Saudis save US$1 billion a week as Egypt counts remaining wheat stocks, says HSBC report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61448</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Oil-rich Gulf Arab countries, led by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, are widening the wealth gap with the region&#039;s energy importers as political turmoil from Egypt to Lebanon stifles economic growth.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Alabbar to lead speaker panel on fifth ASDA&#039;A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61419</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Survey results based on face-to-face interviews with 3,000 Arab youth between the ages of 18 to 24 in 15 Arab nations.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East &amp; North Africa lead world in increasing hotel prices]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61416</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. These destinations are booming for both leisure and business travellers, thanks to continued investment and added attractions.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Tunisia expects US$1.8 billion IMF loan deal by May]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61370</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. Aims to shield the economy from Europe&#039;s debt crisis and political turmoil at home that&#039;s hindering the transition to democracy. 
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<title><![CDATA[44% of MENA professionals expect their personal finances to improve in the next six months]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61234</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. 55% of MENA residents believe business conditions will also become better, according to the latest MENA Consumer Confidence Index Survey conducted by Bayt.com and YouGov.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Urgent job creation on a mass scale key to stability in the Arab region, says UNDP report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61212</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Arab States could reap a major &quot;demographic dividend&quot; if they can convert their advances in education into employment opportunities for youth, says the 2013 Human Development Report.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab countries in transition seek path to strong, inclusive growth]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61149</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Region pursues economic and political stability in aftermath of historic uprising; Comprehensive political, social, and financial reform critical to economic success; Middle-class aspirations to boost inclusive growth.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Global Energy Index sets benchmark for Middle East region]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61111</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. World Economic Forum, in collaboration with Accenture, releases report on countries&#039; energy systems; &quot;Significant renewable energy projects in the GCC are expected to see the Middle East&#039;s rankings rise in future reports.&quot;]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Business travel in MENA on road to recovery, finds YouGov survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61058</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. 43% of respondents report an increase in business travel budgets during 2012; KSA and UAE most popular business travel destinations among respondents in 2012; 29% of business travelers surveyed flew in a premium class in 2012.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Salary tops list of reasons MENA professionals quit, reveals Bayt.com survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61057</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The majority of employees stay no longer than five years in a job; Multinationals seen as having highest retention rates; 60.2% state that retention today is lower than in previous generations. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Tunisia Premier Jbeli quits after failing to form new government]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=61023</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. Standard &amp; Poor&#039;s pushed Tunisia&#039;s sovereign credit rating deeper into junk status earlier, citing increased political risks.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[67% of UAE employers planning to hire in 2013]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60985</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. 30% of MENA employers are &quot;definitely hiring&quot;, an additional 27% say they are &quot;probably hiring&quot;; In the UAE, 35% of the companies are &quot;definitely hiring&quot; in the next three months.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Anger as Tunisian opposition leader shot dead]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60901</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. Chokri Belaid was shot dead outside his home in Tunis on Wednesday, sparking angry protests by his supporters and attacks on offices of the ruling Islamist Ennahda party.
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<title><![CDATA[MENA Hotel RevPAR up by 8% in 2012]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60775</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Most markets in the Middle East and North Africa region post an increase in RevPAR in 2012, driven mainly by better demand according to MKG Hospitality. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Work-life balance is the most motivating factor for employees in the UAE, reveals survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60578</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. 38% of UAE respondents claim to receive very little or no company support towards achieving a healthy balance, according to Bayt.com and YouGov survey.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Alcatel-Lucent and Tunisiana will build new superfast, high-capacity network to provide broadband services across Tunisia]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60485</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. Combination of robust wireline access technologies and field-proven customer experience software will deliver video, high-speed Internet and voice services with exceptional quality to millions of Tunisians.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[University Presidents launch network to support higher education reform in the Arab World ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60430</link>
<description><![CDATA[MOROCCO.  Widespread embrace of World Bank-designed University Governance Screening Card (UGSC),  a tool for evaluating institutional performance. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Rigid ideologies are battling political pragmatism at the expense of economic growth and reduced investment, says IIF report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60390</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Byblos Bank hosts the launch of IIF new report on the Middle East and North Africa; Lebanon: recovery hinges on political stability and reforms.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Tunisia&#039;s central bank sells Samurai bonds backed by Japan Bank]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60345</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. Banque Centrale de Tunisie sold 25 billion yen (US$303 million) of Samurai bonds backed by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation; The 10-year notes were priced to yield 1.19%, or 45 basis points more than the yen swap rate.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oil, gas and petrochemicals are top industries in MENA, reveals survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60282</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Industry is a regional leader in terms of current employee satisfaction, and respondent perceptions, according to Bayt.com and YouGov survey.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman ranked top five in Economic Freedom of the Arab World report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=60190</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Bahrain and the UAE occupy the top two positions followed by Jordan, Kuwait, and Lebanon and Oman in joint fifth position ahead Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Prince Alwaleed praises Pandit for Citigroup crisis work]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=59817</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal praised Vikram Pandit for his handling of the financial crisis while CEO at Citigroup, saying he helped position the bank for further growth.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Africa tipped as decade&#039;s next big investment opportunity]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=59726</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. GITEX Technology Week 2012 helps Middle East businesses tap into emerging continent&#039;s latent ICT potential.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dissolution of fixed-line monopoly and launch of 3G set to invigorate Tunisia&#039;s telecom market, say Frost &amp; Sullivan]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=59577</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. With three operators in the market, the mobile penetration rate stood at 115.3% in 2011; Political instability remains a potent threat to market&#039;s further development.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[World leaders gather at UN as Arab Spring turns perilous]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=59436</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Making their debut at the 193-member General Assembly are the new leaders of young governments in the so-called Arab Spring nations who came in to deliver economic results and now must also address anti-Western sentiment.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia has given US$3.7 billion in aid to region, says IMF]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=59407</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Saudi Arabia has so far disbursed about a fifth of the much-needed aid it promised to Arab countries since uprisings erupted in the region last year, according to the IMF]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Day of rage in Arab World tests new Arab Spring leaders ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=59326</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Protesters against an anti-Muslim film stormed the American Embassy compound in Tunisia and targeted diplomatic missions in Sudan and Yemen, while in Egypt the main Islamist groups sought to ease tensions with the U.S. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Ritz-Carlton announces first hotel in Tunisia]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=59253</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. Ideally situated on the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel offers an exclusive beachfront setting adjacent to the Presidential Palace and step away from Carthage&#039;s ancient ruins.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[IBM strengthens operations in Morocco with new branch in Rabat]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=59194</link>
<description><![CDATA[MOROCCO. New office underlines IBM&#039;s continued expansion strategy in Africa.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[OMV outlines challenges of developing the oil industry in Libya and Tunisia]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=59176</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE.  The change in landscape initiated by the Arab Spring has provided several opportunities and challenges for International Oil Companies that operate in North Africa. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Personal finances, employment conditions expected to improve across MENA region, reveals consumer confidence survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58951</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Respondents are optimistic for the upcoming year. The majority believe that their personal financial situation (51%), country&#039;s economy (44%), business conditions (49%) and employment conditions (35%) will improve, according to Bayt.com and YouGov survey. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Opinion: The primacy of Human Development in the Arab Spring]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58809</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The durability of national governments in the Middle East and North Africa is now determined by the extent to which leaders can expeditiously and effectively address the primary cause of the Arab Spring.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Qtel launches 3G services in Tunisia]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58632</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. With launch coverage extending to 48% of the population, Tunisiana will offer 3G services in the regions of Tunis, Sfax, Sousse, Djerba, Cap Bon, Hammamet and Nabeul.  

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<title><![CDATA[Western pessimism over Arab Spring&#039;s impact increasing, reveals APCO study]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58572</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. &quot;New findings show that opinion in the United States and Europe is changing and that confidence in the Arab world is now largely influenced by the reactions of citizens to their new governments.&quot; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Qatar,  UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia ranked in top 50 Global Innovation Index 2012]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58415</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Switzerland ranks first among 141 economies on innovation levels; Qatar and the United Arab Emirates lead the Middle East in overall innovation performance.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US and EU policymakers missing the challenge in the Middle East ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58349</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Atlantic Council report assesses response to Arab awakening and provides recommendations for better support to countries in transition.
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<title><![CDATA[MENA women seek financial independence, finds Bayt.com survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58285</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Survey conducted by Bayt.com and YouGov, reveals that working women in the region are motivated professionally mostly by monetary prospects.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab Entrepreneurs vie for start-up funding at MIT Enterprise Forum Arab Business Plan Competition]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58255</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Of the fourteen finalist teams selected from more than 4500 applications received, seven are from Egypt, three are from Lebanon, two from Palestine, and one team each hail from Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[High-level Turkish delegation visits Tunis Financial Harbour site strengthening strategic co-operation ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58082</link>
<description><![CDATA[BAHRAIN. Relevent project and technical specification documents of flagship project handed over to leading Turkish Developer DEMTAS Group. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[English speakers in Middle East and North Africa earn up to 3 times as much]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=58068</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The salary gap ranges from 5% in Tunisia to 75% in Egypt and even 200% for some workers in Baghdad, finds British Council research. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Can Egypt rise like a phoenix from its economic ashes? ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=57954</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTRERNATIONAL. The outcome of Egypt&#039;s first free presidential elections will flag a new direction for the region, but can it move the country out of crisis?]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[After Arab Spring, MENA region faces varied political and monetary flexibility risks, says S&amp;P report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=57708</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, and Tunisia have negative outlooks, indicating at least a one-in-three chance that the sovereign ratings could be lowered in the next one to two years. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[MENA IPOs raise US$82.8 million in first quarter, says Ernst &amp; Young report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=57683</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Two Saudi IPOs in first quarter and one each in Morocco and Tunisia ; Global IPO activity falls to lowest level since second quarter 2009.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Analysis: MENA needs better integration of ICT into national competitiveness plans]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=57354</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The 2012 Network Readiness Index ranks five GCC countries in the top 40 list globally. On the other hand, countries in the Levant and North Africa still lag behind and face important challenges to fully leverage ICT.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UAE companies to increase salaries by 5% in 2012, nearly 3% above inflation, reveals Towers Watson survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=57338</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Employees in Saudi Arabia will see the highest increases at 6% against an inflation rate of 4.1%.  Salary increases are expected to be consistent across the remaining Gulf States at 5.0%- 5.5%.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab Spring turns to Economic Winter on more joblessness]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=57266</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The world&#039;s highest youth jobless rate left the Middle East vulnerable to the uprisings that ousted Egypts Hosni Mubarak and three other leaders in the past year. It has got worse since then.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Higher interest in entrepreneurship and social development in MENA despite Arab Spring, reveals survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=57206</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Bayt.com partners with Stanford University and YouGov to explore the Arab Spring&#039;s effects on entrepreneurship in the MENA region.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Tunis Financial Harbour signs strategic agreement with Turkish DEMTAS Group ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=57001</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. Leading Turkish Developer set to commence infrastructure work on North Africa&#039;s first offshore financial centre.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arabs seek safety in dollars after uprising euphoria collides with reality]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56566</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. &quot;People are frustrated because the reasons that they revolted against to begin with are still there. Whoever said this was going to be smooth was naive.&quot;]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab Spring stumps Davos investors year after Egypt revolt]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56356</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. One year after Egypt knocked global finance off the agenda at the World Economic Forum, Arab officials returning to Davos may struggle to drum up interest in the region. 

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<title><![CDATA[Funds allocated for Tunis Financial Harbour&#039;s development]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56018</link>
<description><![CDATA[BAHRAIN. Tunis Financial Harbour is going to be North Africa&#039;s very first offshore financial centre contributing to transforming the region&#039;s economy.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Symantec discovers new malware with potential to exploit interest around Arab Spring]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55914</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. New malware found targeting individuals specifically in the Middle East through an app could open the door to more malicious attacks.

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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[The Atlantic Council proposes coordinated US-EU policy for the Arab awakening]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55386</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The United States and EU must leverage all possible resources to support a democratic transition that guarantees the rights of all citizens, upholds the rule of law, and enshrines basic civil liberties.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Ratings on Tunisia unaffected by election outcome, says S&amp;P]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55100</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. S&amp;P&#039;s focus is on whether the new government will support the economic recovery by taking medium-term policy measures and pursuing structural reforms while maintaining macroeconomic stability.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Analysis: Tunisia tests democratic Islamism ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55016</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Analyst Kamran Bokhari examines the challenges Islamist movement Ennahda faces after its victory in Tunisia&#039;s first elections since the &quot;Arab Spring.&quot; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN chief congratulates Tunisians on peaceful holding of &#039;historic&#039; polls]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54999</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. It was the people of Tunisia that inspired the region earlier this year when they stood up to demand democracy and freedom, sparking a wave of popular uprisings across North Africa and the Middle East.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN gives a helping hand to Tunisia ahead of landmark elections]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54925</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. A team of up to 15 UN electoral experts has been on the ground in recent months in the North African country to offer advice and support.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Tunisia credit growth spurs economic recovery]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54914</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. Tunisia, the birth place of the Arab Spring, may stage a faster economic recovery than other countries that witnessed uprisings in the region. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Siemens and UNDP launch joint anti-corruption efforts for Arab region]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54713</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. Under a 3-year agreement focusing on clean business practices and compliance measures, Siemens will link with UNDP.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[&#039;Arab Spring&#039; nations aid pledges to be boosted to US$38 billion]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54371</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Western and Middle Eastern governments pledged to help Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco and Jordan transition to democracy and create jobs, mobilizing financing mostly through international lending organizations.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Insurers seek to define Arab Spring damage as claims may top US$500 million]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54246</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. As the Arab Spring gained momentum this year, the initial protests in Cairo&#039;s Tahrir Square constituted civil commotion, in the parlance of the global insurance industry. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[MENA IPOs down 51.67% to US$374.77 million in second quarter 2011]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54181</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Total of six IPOs in the region - two in UAE and one each in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Tunisia and Morocco; First UAE real estate sector listing of Eshraq Properties since Deyaar Development IPO in May 2007.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Geopolitical analysis: Re-examining the Arab Spring ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54060</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. It is now more than six months since the beginning of the Arab Spring, and it is important to take stock of what has happened and what has not happened. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Tunisia outlook revised to negative on increasing risks during political transition]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53767</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. S&amp;P affirms &#039;BBB-&#039; rating; The outlook implies at least a one-in-three chance that the ratings could be lowered within the next 24 months.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab Spring shows human rights are for everyone, everywhere, says UN official]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53353</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The collective actions of the people of North Africa and the Middle East have reaffirmed the importance and universality of human rights, said Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[IT spend in Africa to reach US$25 billion in 2011]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53192</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Avnet Technology Solutions expands its reach and product offerings in the African continent.

]]></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[UAE central bank orders freeze of Ben Ali assets, says paper]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52983</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Banks ordered to freeze all assets of ousted Tunisian president Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, his wife, and 120 other Tunisians, a newspaper said.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[IMF backs G8 plan for supporting Middle East, North Africa ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52823</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. G8 leaders to forge partnership with Middle East, multilateral institutions; IMF to make available up to US$35 billion for the region.
]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[G8 leaders pledge US$20 billion for Arab Spring]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52813</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Partnership for the region ties aid and development cash to progress on democracy and economic reforms by states which have thrown off autocratic rulers. 
]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[World Bank to lend US$6 billion to Egypt and Tunisia]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52777</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. World Bank President Robert Zoellick on Tuesday unveiled US$6 billion in fresh funding for Tunisia and Egypt ahead of a meeting of Group of Eight industrial powers in France.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[EBRD agrees to start process for MENA expansion]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52724</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development agreed to begin the process of expanding lending into the Middle East and North Africa, following a string of popular revolts in the Arab world.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Sanctions update on Syria, Libya, Tunisia and Egypt]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52601</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The EU adopted  a Council Regulation on Syria that includes asset freezing measures on certain persons identified as being responsible for the violent repression of the civilian population and an arms embargo. 

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<title><![CDATA[World&#039;s tallest building Burj Khalifa is more popular than the Colosseum, reveals CBRE survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52444</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The survey revealed that Burj Khalifa (11%), is more popular than the Colosseum in Rome (8%), New York&#039;s Chrysler Building (6%) and Angkor Wat in Cambodia (2.5%).]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Social unrest puting a damper on Middle East real estate markets, says S&amp;P report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52155</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Hardest hit are the leisure and high-end residential segments. In addition, some real estate companies have to address damages to buildings, resulting from looting and violent demonstrations. 
]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Dubai&#039;s Shuaa in Tunisian trading freeze]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51985</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. Tunisia has ordered its brokerages to suspend securities trading by 123 firms, sources said, including Dubai&#039;s Shuaa Capital and the parent companies of at least two publicly listed Tunisian firms.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Anti-corruption groups urge UAE to probe Ben Ali, Mubarak cash]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51796</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Anti-graft body Transparency International and rights group Sherpa asked the UAE central bank to identify any funds connected to Tunisian president Ben Ali. ]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Rising food prices may be here to stay, says IMF ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51719</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Bad weather, richer people, trade curbs, biofuel leading to pricier food; Costlier food risks higher core inflation in emerging, developing countries; The implications are far reaching.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Tunisia&#039;s foreign and local currency ratings lowered to &#039;BBB-&#039; and &#039;BBB&#039; respectively, outlook stable]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51687</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. S&amp;P removed all ratings from CreditWatch and assigned a stable outlook to the long-term ratings as it believes the downside risk from political instability will be contained.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Arab youths, revolutions, and the rise of the &#039;second society&#039; ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51643</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The sudden and rapid change that has swept across the Arab world over the recent few months has taken the world by surprise. All of a sudden, the status quo was challenged and the long-held prerequisites for change were replaced by mobile phones, an Internet connection and a Facebook account.

]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Emergency response teams in Libya, Tunisia find most urgent needs include qualified nurses, water/sanitation/hygiene services]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51573</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. International Medical Corps&#039; teams in eastern Libya and at the border in Tunisia are conducting ongoing assessments of health needs and providing critical medical supplies. 

]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Possible scenarios of Middle East unrest on travel and tourism]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51483</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. A direct impact of the turmoil will certainly affect tourism flows to the countries involved, while in the worst case scenario, it would also impact global air transportation as well as international tourism flows worldwide.

]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[UN refugee agency &#039;very concerned&#039; civilians being prevented from fleeing Libya]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51476</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos called on the Libyan authorities to allow &quot;immediate unimpeded access&quot; for humanitarian agencies and a continuation of &quot;free movement of people.&quot; ]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Political unrest in the Middle East detrimental to sovereign credit quality, says S&amp;P report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51425</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Almost all sovereigns in the region, including wealthy oil-exporting countries, share, to varying degrees, some or many of the political and economic risks that we believe underlie the unrest, the report says.
]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Tunisian premier Ghannouchi resigns]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51316</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. Tunisia&#039;s interim president has named former government minister Beji Caid-Essebsi as the country&#039;s new prime minister and called for calm. 
]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Does online flirting predict offline revolution? ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51089</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Social networking site used in Egypt&#039;s revolution uncovers a striking link. 

]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Tourism: Turmoil in Tunisia sparks protests throughout the Middle East and Africa]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50780</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. While the situation in Tunisia seems calmer, tour operators are waiting for governments to lift their travel warnings before returning to normal operations.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Tunisia ratings put on CreditWatch negative on continuing uncertainty]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50502</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Political instability and violent conflict to affect Tunisia&#039;s economic growth, in particular, its tourism industry, said S&amp;P.

]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Tunisia&#039;s Constitutional Council says speaker is interim president]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50436</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. Under the constitution the speaker of parliament, not the prime minister, should be the interim president, state television reported.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Tunisian Prime Minister assumes power after President leaves 

]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50434</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. Prime Minister Mohammed Ghanouchi in a televised address, said on Friday that he has assumed control of the government as the president is &quot;temporarily unable to exercise his duties&quot;.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Clashes in Tunisian capital defy night-time curfew]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50417</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. Young men fought running battles with police overnight in several parts of the Tunis, in the north African country&#039;s worst unrest in decades.

]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Perspective: 2011 is critical year for Middle East regional telecom operators]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50292</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The last three weeks have brought the news that Etisalat&#039;s deal to acquire 46% of Zain is now cleared and that Qtel has purchased a 50% share in Tunisiana for US$1.2 billion.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Qtel finalises partnership in Tunisiana ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50291</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. Joint agreement with Princesse Holding consortium sees the acquisition of a 50% shareholding in Tunisia&#039;s leading operator.]]></description>
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</channel>
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