<rss version="0.91">
<channel>
<title>www.bi-me.com RSS feed for &#8211; Other Middle East</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[&#039;The Iraqi dinar has all reasons to grow stronger,&#039; says Prime Minister ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44880</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said the process to re-evaluate the Iraqi dinar has to do with economic conditions which have to be strengthened.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq oil exports at highest level since 1990]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44817</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq&#039;s oil exports reached their highest level in February since Saddam Hussein&#039;s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, an oil ministry spokesman said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran plans to issue US$1 billion in bonds for energy sector]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44684</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran has announced plans to issue US$1 billion in bonds to develop its natural resources, official sources said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[IMF approves US$3.6 billion stand-by loan for Iraq]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44657</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The main objectives of the arrangement are to maintain macroeconomic stability during a period of high economic and political uncertainties (parliamentary elections are scheduled for March 7, 2010), and to provide a framework for deepening structural reforms.

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<title><![CDATA[Marsh conference to discuss Iraq energy risk issues]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44527</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Marsh has announced that the Executive Director and Founder of the Iraq Energy Institute will speak on the risk issues facing energy companies seeking to do business in Iraq at Marsh&#039;s National Oil Companies Conference in Dubai. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Investment in Kurdistan region of Iraq tops US$12 billion]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44500</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The primary source of investment in the Kurdistan region was the local housing sector, which saw an increase of US$4.7 billion. The banking sector followed at US$2.29 billion.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Munich Re to stop Iran business]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44484</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Germany&#039;s Munich Re has &#039;decided to not renew existing business or write any new business with insurance companies&#039; in Iran, the company said in a statement on its website, citing the &#039;political situation&#039; in the country.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[New paradigm needed to mitigate brain drain in the Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44478</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The UAE is an interesting case study in human capital, in part because there are few places in the world where you will find a predominantly expatriate workforce.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GE Technology will help meet Northern Iraq&#039;s growing energy demands]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44431</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. GE today announced the signing of contracts totaling approximately US$200 million to supply power generation equipment and services for two independent power projects in the Kurdistan region of Northern Iraq. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East gold market demand fell 28% in 2009 ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44428</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. According to World Gold Council&#039;s Gold Demand Trends, the gold market in the Middle East struggled in 2009 as weak economic conditions and high gold prices pushed down demand to 250.6t.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Internet data revenue to show strong growth]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44358</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. With the move to broadband internet in the Middle East, revenues from data services are expected to grow more strongly in coming years than from mobile voice services, according to leading industry observers.

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<title><![CDATA[Iraq adopts ASCI benchmark price for US crude sales]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44308</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraqi state-owned oil marketing firm Somo will price sales of US-bound crude at differentials to the Argus Sour Crude Index benchmark from April onwards.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[65% of Maktoob Research respondents say they will celebrate Valentine&#039;s Day]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44317</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Respondents from the GCC are willing to spend the most on their loved ones with an average of US$185 per person, while in North Africa the average is US$108.  

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<title><![CDATA[Iraq plans currency redenomination]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44269</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq expects to redenominate its dinar currency by knocking three zeros off the nominal value of bank notes to facilitate currency transactions]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai Customs foils an attempt to smuggle archeological remains of Iraqi origin]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44203</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. While examining an Arab person&#039;s Customs declaration which contain some kitchen kits and a radio, the inspector found the archeological items hidden inside chairs pads..]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq to resume oil exports from Kurdish region &#039;soon&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44183</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq accepted a Kurdish proposal on payments to producers working in the semi-autonomous region, the oil minister said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran boosts uranium enrichment]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=44180</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran has begun enriching uranium to a higher level over the objections of the US and its allies who fear the process could eventually be used to give the Islamic republic nuclear weapons.

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<title><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia affirms support for Yemen ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43883</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA. Saudi Arabia affirmed its support for the government of Yemen at the High Level Conference on Yemen in London, convened 27 January by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Siemens Healthcare announces biggest single order contract of US$69 million]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43802</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The Siemens Healthcare Sector announced today a contract win of US$69 million to supply state-of-the-art diagnostics imaging equipment to all Ministry of Health hospitals across Iraq.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ExxonMobil signs agreement with Iraq Ministry of Oil]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43759</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Exxon Mobil Corporation today announced that its affiliate ExxonMobil Iraq signed an agreement with the Iraq Ministry of Oil to redevelop and expand the West Qurna-1 field in southern Iraq. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Political uncertainties won&#039;t hamper Iran&#039;s telecom growth, finds Pyramid Research]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43694</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. From a revenue point of view, Iran is one of the most attractive markets in the Middle East region given its size. By year-end 2009, it was the fourth-largest market in the region at US$9.2 billion and is expected to grow to US$12.9 billion by 2014 at a CAGR of 6.9%.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Land Rover ventures into Northern Iraq ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43543</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Land Rover has reiterated its commitment to the Middle East by venturing into a new an untapped market - the northern region of Iraq also know as Kurdistan. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UAE-Palestine Polo Cup raises more than AED1.3 million for Welfare Association ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43523</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The first-ever UAE-Palestine Polo Cup held on Friday met with resounding success and raised over AED1.3 million (US$354.002) in funds to benefit the neediest residents of the West Bank and Gaza.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[International Autumn Trade Fair opens]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43507</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Export of goods and services expanded 7.6%, says Ministry of Economy report.
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq and Shell consortium sign the Majnoon Oilfield contract]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43473</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Shell, as lead operator, will hold a 45% share, with partner Petronas holding 30%. The Iraqi state holds 25% of the participating interests in all contractor consortia.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ATCi integrates 3 Fly Away broadcast systems for large Iraqi broadcaster]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43426</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. ATCi provided 3 fully redundant, state-of-the-art Fly Away systems that this broadcaster will use to transmit news, sports and video throughout Iraq and surrounding countries.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai TV reporter released in Iran]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43308</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. The Islamic republic on Sunday released an Iran-based Syrian journalist working for Dubai TV who was arrested during opposition protests last month, the Tehran prosecutor and a colleague said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[General Dynamics awarded US$198 million contract]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43185</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The US Army Tank and Automotive Command has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics to build 140 M1A1 SA tanks for Iraq.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Booz Allen Hamilton launches paid-subscriber-focused Website ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43190</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Booz Allen Hamilton announced the launch of Persia-House.com, a paid-subscriber-focused Website providing expert analysis of trends and developments unfolding in Iran and throughout the Persian Gulf.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran denies secret deal to import Kazakh uranium]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43123</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran on Wednesday denied as &quot;baseless&quot; a report it was close to clinching a deal to import 1,350 tons (1,372 tonnes) of purified uranium ore from Kazakhstan to restock its depleted reserves.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Many more would-be terrorists in Yemen ready to carry out attacks]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43103</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. An al Qaida group based in Yemen claimed responsibility for the failed attempt to bring down Northwest Airlines Flight 253 as photographs showing the underwear filled with explosives worn by alleged bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab were broadcast by ABC News. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran confirms Dubai TV reporter arrested]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43100</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. The Tehran prosecutor confirmed on Tuesday the arrest of an Iran-based reporter working for Dubai TV, two days after he went missing, local media reported.

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<title><![CDATA[US plane suspect &#039;disappeared&#039; mid-year in Dubai, was living in Yemen until early this month]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43077</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 23, spent several months at the University of Wollongong&#039;s Dubai branch until he vanished mid-year.]]></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=1&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[Delegation from Kurdistan region of Iraq concludes visit to Washington, DC and Detroit]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=43016</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The delegation reaffirmed the KRG&#039;s commitment to advance the democratic process in Iraq along with its long-held position to resolve issues through political dialogue. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Cellular users in Iraq, Libya and Pakistan bought 16 million cellular handsets in 2009]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42975</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Arab Advisors Group has launched new research services covering the Mobile Handsets Retail Markets. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran troops have left oil well, says Iraq official]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42916</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iranian troops who for three days controversially occupied a disputed border oil well left the facility during the night but remain on Iraq&#039;s soil, Iraqi officials said on Sunday.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran says oil well seized on Iraq border lies within its land]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42892</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran on Saturday acknowledged its takeover of an oil well on the Iraqi border but insisted the well lies on its land, playing down the fallout from the incident.

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<title><![CDATA[Iran test fires improved Sejjil-2 long-range missile]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42849</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. State television showed video of the Sejjil-2 missile launch Wednesday, calling the test a success.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[General Dynamics awarded US$14 million for Iraqi Abrams tank work]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42834</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The SA enhancements to the M1A1 for Iraq include a second-generation forward-looking infrared thermal sight which provide better crew protection in urban warfare environments.  
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<title><![CDATA[Prince Alwaleed&#039;s Rotana in strategic alliance with Disney]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42823</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. This collaboration will provide a compelling proposition to Rotana&#039;s bouquet of offerings to viewers and the trade community across the Middle East region.

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<title><![CDATA[Middle East, global carriers seen cutting losses in 2010]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42818</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Middle East carriers will reduce losses by 75% to US$300 million in 2010 from a projected  US$1.2 billion loss in 2009, according to IATA.

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<title><![CDATA[Shell-Petronas consortium wins Iraq&#039;s Manjoon oil field development contract]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42712</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Royal Dutch Shell in partnership with Malaysia&#039;s state-run Petronas Carigali, beat a consortium of France&#039;s Total and China National Petroleum Corp.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Hughes expands satellite Internet access for US troops in Middle East and Central Asia]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42611</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Hughes Network Systems has announced that it has expanded provision of high-speed satellite Internet access for US troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Rubber World Industries supplies US$1.23 million worth of rubber insulation products to Iran]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42577</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. RWI revealed that it has supplied a total of 120 containers of rubber insulation products worth AED4.5 million (US$1.23 million) to customers based in Iran in 2009. 

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<title><![CDATA[The Defense Logistics Agency helps with the drawdown of equipment in Iraq]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42465</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. These services include procuring and distributing nearly five million separate line items such as rations, medical supplies and equipment, clothing and textiles, repair parts for land, sea and air weapons systems and platforms, fuel and energy services. 

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<title><![CDATA[Britons held in Iran after yacht seized in the Gulf en route from Bahrain to Dubai]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42464</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAl. Five Britons are being held in Iran after the Iranian navy seized their yacht, which may have strayed into Iranian waters in the Gulf en route from Bahrain to Dubai, the Foreign Office said Monday.

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<title><![CDATA[Canadian Clear Water installs desalination plants in Egypt, Iraq &amp; Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42456</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The desalination plant working on cutting edge technology of Reverse Osmosis converts sea water into potable water useful for industrial and drinking water purposes. 

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<title><![CDATA[Iran vows to build 10 new enrichment plants]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42429</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. The hardline stance came after the conservative-dominated parliament urged the government to reduce ties with the IAEA which on Friday condemned Iran for building its second uranium enrichment plant.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Tony Blair was told Iraq war was illegal, says report ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42428</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The UK government&#039;s chief legal advisor informed then British prime minister Tony Blair in 2002 that deposing Saddam Hussein would contravene international law.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Trade Bank of Iraq joins Thomson Reuters global foreign exchange trading system ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42367</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Thomson Reuters today announced that the TBI will become the first bank in the country to connect to the international foreign exchange and money market community using the Thomson Reuters Dealing trading service.  

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<title><![CDATA[The US supports the Iraqi government&#039;s efforts to pass an election law, says Hillary Clinton]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42308</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says Iraqi elections might slip to allow for necessary planning to take place, but once held will mark a milestone in Iraq&#039;s journey toward democracy.

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<title><![CDATA[Iran begins war games to protect nuclear sites]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42262</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. A commander of Iran&#039;s elite Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday that air defence forces would &quot;annihilate&quot; Israeli warplanes if they attacked the Islamic republic, as the forces began five days of war games]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq representative to the US addresses Rhodes College ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42242</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ.  In a speech to Rhodes College, Qubad Talabani, the KRG representative to the United States, and the son of Iraq&#039;s president, Jalal Talabani, delivered a lecture entitled &#039;Iraq: As US forces stand Down, Who is standing up.&#039; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Major powers to meet after Iran rejects nuclear deal]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=42207</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Major world powers are to meet in Brussels on Friday to discuss Iran&#039;s rejection of a nuclear fuel deal, a top EU official said, after US President Barack Obama warned of &quot;consequences&quot; for Tehran.

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<title><![CDATA[Iran central bank mints five million new gold coins in bid to control inflation ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41989</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN.  Iran&#039;s central bank  injects five million newly-minted gold coins into the domestic market in order to bring down inflation and reduce liquidity in the economy.
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<title><![CDATA[Exxon Mobil consortium wins West Qurna Iraq oil deal]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41799</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The consortium, which also includes Royal Dutch Shell, agreed to boost production from West Qurna oil field from its current level of 160,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 2.325 million bpd over the course of its 20-year contract.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran &#039;must choose&#039; its future path, says Obama]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41697</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Iran &#039;must choose&#039; whether to open the door to opportunity and prosperity, US President Barack Obama said Wednesday in a statement marking 30 years since the storming of the US embassy in Tehran]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Qatari Diar eyes Yemen real estate project ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41610</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. A Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Co. unit plans to start work on a US$600 million real estate development project in Yemen.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Yemen plans to launch stock exchange with help from DFM]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41608</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Dubai Financial Market  is assiting Yemen to establish its own financial market and related infrastructure.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN inspectors to visit Iran uranium enrichment plant]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41382</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. UN inspectors will visit Iran&#039;s controversial second uranium enrichment plant on Sunday, as US President Barack Obama garnered support for a separate deal with Tehran to end the crisis over its nuclear programme.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Bahrain, Iran set to resume South Pars gas talks]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41340</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Negotiations for imports of Iranian natural gas from the South Pars field to Bahrain are set to start again, said the Bahrain oil and gas minister.

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<title><![CDATA[Average Midddle East salaries set to rise by 7.9% in 2010 ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41337</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The results of the Hewitt Associates survey apply only to Middle East companies which have not opted for a salary freeze or salary cut amid the global financial crisis.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Suicide bomber kills Commanders of Iran&#039;s Revolution Guards]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41165</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. A suicide bomber blew himself up at a meeting of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps  in southeastern Iran Sunday, killing at least 30 people including top commanders and tribal leaders.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[MENA private equity investment levels expected to rise]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41017</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. New private equity investment activity is expected to significantly increase in the MENA region in the coming 12 months, according to the latest MENA Private Equity Confidence Survey released by Deloitte]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Water may become scarce in the Middle East, warns World Bank report ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=41005</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Water is the Middle East region will become scarce within decades unless it is radically better managed, the World Bank said in a report released yesterday in Abu dhabi ahead of the December meetings on climate change in Copenhagen.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East oil exporters&#039; foreign reserves to rise by US$100 billion ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40969</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Oil exporters in the Middle East and North Africa region are expected to increase their international reserve positions by over US$100 billion in 2010 as oil prices rebound, the IMF said on Sunday.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran says US behind Iranian researcher disappearance in Saudi Arabia  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40924</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Shahram Amiri, an Iranian scientist who is reported to have been involved in Tehran&#039;s controversial nuclear programme, disappeared in June in Saudi Arabia while on a pilgrimage.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq: the new emerging real estate market]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40838</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq is becoming the new emerging real estate investment market of the Middle East, led by a groundbreaking residential project in the northern Kurdish region, according to a development company.

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<title><![CDATA[World Bank to fund job creation in Middle East, North Africa]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40828</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The World Bank will loan about US$4 billion this year in the Middle East and North Africa to help create jobs for 20 million jobless young people.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Date set for UN inspection of Iran nuclear site   ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40778</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. The head of the UN nuclear watchdog says inspectors will visit an Iranian uranium enrichment plant revealed recently by Tehran, on 25 October.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran talks mark first face to face with US officials in 30 years]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40735</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The talks fell short of a dramatic breakthrough but set a path of negotiations after months of public posturing. Obama cautioned Tehran must take concrete steps and that US patience was &#039;not unlimited&#039;.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[IMF sees strenghtening Middle East growth prospects]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40708</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Real GDP growth for the region is projected at 2% in 2009 and almost 4.25% in 2010. Real GDP growth of oil importers is projected at about 4.5% in 2009, more than three times the growth rate of the oil exporters. 

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<title><![CDATA[UN inspection of Iran&#039;s newly disclosed nuclear site to be scheduled soon  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40648</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran&#039;s nuclear chief said Tehran will soon tell the UN nuclear agency when it can inspect a newly disclosed uranium enrichment plant. 

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<title><![CDATA[Iran tests-fires Shahab-3 long range missile  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40595</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran has tested its long-range Shahab-3 missile, the country&#039;s state TV has reported on Monday.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran fires test missiles amid rising tensions  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40567</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran has tested two short-range missiles and announced plans for a controversial long-range missile test.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran to allow UN inspectors at its new nuclear site]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40546</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran&#039;s nuclear chief says his country will allow the UN nuclear agency to inspect its newly revealed, still unfinished uranium enrichment facility.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US, UK and France demand Iran gives UN inspectors immediate access to &#039;concealed nuclear facility&#039; ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40531</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Iran has been accused of concealing a second uranium enrichment plant in defiance of international calls for transparency over its nuclear plans.

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<title><![CDATA[Iran admits to covert second uranium enrichment plant]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40527</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran has told the UN nuclear watchdog that it has a second uranium enrichment plant under construction, diplomats said Friday, a belated disclosure sure to heighten Western fears of an Iranian bid for atom bombs.

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<title><![CDATA[Iran&#039;s Ahmadinejad offers talks on nuclear program]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40519</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran&#039;s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wants talks between Iranian and US experts to allay fears about his country&#039;s nuclear program as international pressure mounts on Tehran.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[EODT Technology wins share of US$485 million multiple award contract ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40463</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. EOD Technology will continue to provide security services at Forward Operating Bases in Iraq, including the Baghdad area, after winning a position on the second consecutive Theater Wide Internal Security Services contract with an estimated value to five contractors of US$485 million.  

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<title><![CDATA[General Electric signs UANI&#039;s Iran Business Declaration]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40450</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. GE has signed United Against Nuclear Iran&#039;s Iran Business Declaration, affirming that it does not and will not conduct business in or with Iran. 
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<title><![CDATA[Iran shifts to euro in calculating value of oil fund]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40440</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran has replaced the US dollar with the euro in calculating the value of its Oil Stabilisation Fund (OSF), Iranian media reported on Monday.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kurdistan Regional Government opens new Headquarters in Washington, D.C.]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40414</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) inaugurated its new headquarters in Washington, D.C., on 17 September.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US withdrawal from Iraq must be &#039;moral and responsible,&#039; says Iraqi lawmaker]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40413</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Saleh Mutlaq, Secretary General of Iraq&#039;s National Dialogue Front, visiting Washington, DC, to meet with officials at the White House, the State Department, and House and Senate members.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iranians favour diplomatic relations with US but have little trust in Obama]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40402</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN.  A new  poll of Iranians finds that six in 10 favour restoring diplomatic relations with the United States, a stance at odds with the policy the Iranian government has held for three decades.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Turkey may sign pact with Iraq on Nabuccco pipeline to carry gas into Europe]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40401</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Turkey and Iraq have discussed signing a memorandum of understanding to ship Iraqi gas to Europe via Turkey through the planned Nabucco pipeline.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Why I threw my shoes at Bush, by Muntazar al-Zaidi]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40397</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. What compelled me to confront is the injustice that befell my people, and how the occupation wanted to humiliate my homeland by putting it under its boot.
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<title><![CDATA[Yemen oil revenue drops on lower prices]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40366</link>
<description><![CDATA[YEMEN. The Central Bank of Yemen said oil revenues for the first seven months of 2009 fell to US$803.4 million from US$3.1 billion during the same period in 2008.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran battles new mass protests as Ahmadinejab gives keynote Quds Day speech]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40364</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Protesters defied dire warnings from top officials against demonstrating during the annual mass display of solidarity with the Palestinians that is one of the setpieces of the Islamic regime.

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<title><![CDATA[Netanyahu&#039;s secret trip to Russia may be linked to S-300 missiles sale to Iran]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40355</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. A top Israeli politician confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited Russia last week, in a newspaper interview published on Thursday.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Mercury Air Group, Red Orange launch service to Afghanistan and Iraq]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40338</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Mercury Air Group has announced a strategic alliance with Dubai-based Red Orange to provide &#039;Final-Mile Peace of Mind&#039; freight logistics services into Iraq and Afghanistan.  

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<title><![CDATA[Datak Telecom and Samsung enter Iranian WiMAX market]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40308</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Datak Telecom has selected Samsung Electronicsas its sole WiMAX equipment vendor to bring the first WiMAX Wave2 service to Iran. 

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<title><![CDATA[Iran in agreement to export gas to the UAE]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40255</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. The National Iranian Gas Export Company  has signed a contract with a foreign company to export gas to the UAE for 25 years.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraqi shoe thrower&#039;s release from jail delayed]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40245</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Muntadhar al-Zaidi will not be released until Tuesday due to paperwork processing delays.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Water management system worth US$20 million launched in Kurdistan]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40224</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The project will be carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Water Resources and the German universities of Freiburg and Gottingen.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq tenders construction of US$3 billion Baghdad Metro]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40209</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Seven international companies will submit their bids for the construction of the Baghdad Metro project in January 2010, a senior official said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq-Qatar flights resume after 18-year break]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40191</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraqi Airways resumed flights from Baghdad to the Qatari capital on Friday for the first time in 18 years.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Yemen to set up &#039;gas city&#039; with UAE&#039;s Dana, Crescent]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40155</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The UAE&#039;s Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum have announced they signed a memorandum of understanding with Yemen to set up a &quot;gas city&quot; in the country.

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<title><![CDATA[Iran will not suspend uranium enrichment]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=40149</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran&#039;s proposal to world powers is aimed at resolving the standoff over its atomic programme and initiate talks about global nuclear disarmament, a top Iranian official was quoted on Thursday as saying, while insisting there will be no suspension of uranium enrichment.

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