There was a time, long ago, when a lover would buy diamonds, chocolate or roses for his beloved on Valentine’s Day with a clear conscience. But life has become more complicated. For some, the romance is being overshadowed by concerns that the diamonds may have financed wars, that the cacao beans were harvested by children
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The United Arab Emirates, a country of more than 4 mln people, spent nearly $2.7 bln in 2007 on information technology – computers, peripherals, network equipment, packaged software and IT services. That spending accounted for 1.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), supported more than 4,400 IT companies with nearly 33,400 IT industry employees, and helped
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In its annual report on France, Moody’s Investors Service says the government’s Aaa ratings and stable outlook reflect the country’s large and diversified economic base, stable political institutions and a prudent macroeconomic policy framework. “The new president and prime minister want to adapt the French social model to the needs of sustainable economic advancement and
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AXA announced that it has reached an agreement with ING for the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of its Mexican insurance subsidiary ING Seguros, for a consideration of USD 1.5 bln (EUR 1.0 bln). ING Seguros is the third largest Mexican insurer (12% total market share, 5.5 mln clients), with leading positions in
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PSA Peugeot Citroen Group turnover rose to €60,613 mln in 2007, up 7.1 % on 2006. The Automobile division recorded a turnover of €47,456 mln, up 6.5%, thanks to an increase in the volume of vehicle sales and improvements in price and product mix. Banque PSA Finance reported revenue corresponding to gross interest income of
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Moody’s announced that the 2007 earnings release by Credit Suisse has not led to any change in the ratings of Credit Suisse Group or its subsidiaries (Aa1 debt and deposit ratings and B Financial Strength Rating of Credit Suisse, the main banking entity, and Aa2 debt and deposit ratings of Credit Suisse Group). The rating
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Orange and Nokia signed a memorandum of understanding on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress 2008 in Barcelona in order to partner on value added services such as location based services, maps, mobile advertising and gaming. There is a strong intent to follow with a strategic partnership by mid 2008. By combining Orange‘s marketing,
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Cyprus’ position on a possible unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo is based on principles, President Tassos Papadopoulos stressed here today, adding that Nicosia and Moscow share common positions on the Kosovo issue. Invited to comment on statements by first Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Sergei Ivanov on Kosovo, Papadopoulos said that Ivanov had pointed
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The uncertain economic situation in 2008 and the adoption of conclusions relating to the assessment of Stability and Convergence Programmes of the first group of member states were the main issues examined during the Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting, here on Tuesday. Cyprus was represented at the ECOFIN by Finance Minister Michalis Sarris. Ministers
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Mobile TV use is set to surge due to strong consumer demand, with the service ranked as the number one application users want on their phone, according to a consumer behaviour study conducted by Ericsson and the international news broadcaster, CNN. The results show more than a third (34%) of respondents ranking  TV as  the
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