Syria - Bashar al-Assad: 'We don't kill our people' / سورية -- بشار الاسد : "نحن لا نقتل شعبنا"

Published on Dec 7, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ The Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad remained defiant during an interview with ABC New's Barbara Walters.

She challenged him on the United Nations' report that 4,000 people have been killed so far in the military crackdown since the Arab Spring arrived in Syria in mid-March. He brushed off the report, responding: "Who said that the United Nations is a credible institution?"

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ظل الرئيس السوري بشار الاسد متحديا خلال مقابلة مع باربرا وولترز ABC الجديد.

انها تحدت له على تقرير الأمم المتحدة الذي قتل 4000 شخص حتى الان في الحملة العسكرية منذ الربيع العربي وصل الى سوريا في منتصف مارس. انه نحى قبالة التقرير، والاستجابة : "من قال إن الأمم المتحدة هي مؤسسة ذات مصداقية؟"

Mexico - prevents entry of Gaddafi son Saadi / México - evita la entrada de Gaddafi hijo Saadi

Uploaded by telegraphtv on Dec 7, 2011

Several people were arrested over a plan for Saadi Gaddafi and his family to enter Mexico after intelligence authorities got a tip off
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Varias personas fueron detenidas más de un plan de Saadi Gaddafi y su familia para ingresar a México luego que las autoridades de inteligencia tiene una punta de

India - Parliament Backs Down on Plans to Allow Retailers IKEA & Wal Mart to Open Stores

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Dec 7, 2011

In the midst of a political backlash, the ruling Indian Congress party has backed down on a plan to allow such retailers as IKEA and Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) to build stores in their country. Many small businesses feared they would be put out of business by the large retailers and even the political party's allies were quick to protest the decision. This marks a set back for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and once again seems to indicate that the current administration is increasingly adrift and ineffective especially in the wake of recent scandals and party opposition. The retail measure would have allowed single-brand companies like IKEA to open wholly owned stores in India and multibrand retailers like Wal-Mart to open stores with a minority Indian partner. However, this decision has merely been halted and not completely rescinded making it a possibility for this plan to move forward in the future.

Egypt - Prime Minister Kamal al-Ganzouri appoints new cabinet / مصر -- رئيس الوزراء كمال الجنزوري، يعين حكومة جديدة

Published on Dec 7, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal al-Ganzouri has now sworn in a new cabinet, state television reported.

This follows successive delays as he struggled to find a competent team with enough public support.

The country's military leaders have also given Presidential powers to the Prime Minister but kept control of military affairs and the judiciary.

Ganzouri's appointment to PM initially sparked protests. As he'd served under the former President he was seen as a member of the old guard.

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وذكر التلفزيون الحكومي رئيس الوزراء المصري كمال الجنزوري وتوعدت الآن في الحكومة الجديدة.

هذا التأخير يلي المتعاقبة وهو يحاول جاهدا العثور على فريق المختصة بدعم شعبي كاف.

أعطت القادة العسكريين في البلاد أيضا صلاحيات رئيس الجمهورية لرئيس الوزراء ولكنه حافظ على سيطرته على الشؤون العسكرية والقضائية.

تعيين رئيس الوزراء السابق لرئيس الوزراء في البداية أثار احتجاجات. وعنيدا وخدم تحت الرئيس السابق كان ينظر إليه باعتباره عضوا في الحرس القديم.

Sweden - Saab Could Face Bankruptcy After Failed Reorganization / Sverige - Saab kan drabbas av konkurs efter misslyckade Omorganisation

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Dec 7, 2011

Car company Saab, owned by Swedish Automobile, is one step closer to complete liquidation. Court appointed administrator Guy Lofalk, in charge of reorganizing the company, said he has almost given up efforts to save the car maker.

With lack of funds, refusal of previous owner General Motors to agree to proposed financing deals, and a failed delivery of sufficient bridge-financing by Swedish Automobile, Saab is days away from becoming bankrupt.

Swedish Automobile has a week to respond to Lofalk's application for more funds or the Vanersborg District Court will force the company to declare bankruptcy on December 16th. Swedish Automobile is in talks with Youngman and an unnamed Chinese bank* about getting the funds they need but GM said its position on the sale has not changed.

Also, Saab employees have yet to receive their November salaries, another bump in the road to recovery. Two labor unions last week filed official requests for the money, which means Saab has seven days to pay or again face bankruptcy proceedings.

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Bil Saab, som ägs av svenska Automobile är ett steg närmare fullständig likvidation. Domstolen utsedd rekonstruktör Guy Lofalk, som ansvarar för att omorganisera företaget, sade han nästan har gett upp ansträngningarna att rädda biltillverkaren.

Med brist på medel, avslag på tidigare ägaren General Motors att godkänna föreslagna finansieringen erbjudanden, och en misslyckad leverans av tillräckligt bro-finansiering av svenska Automobile, är Saab dagar borta från att bli bankrutt.

Svensk Automobile har en vecka att svara på Lofalk ansökan om mer pengar eller Vänersborg tingsrätten kommer att tvinga bolaget i konkurs den 16 december. Svensk Automobile är i samtal med Youngman och en icke namngiven kinesisk bank * om att få de medel som de behöver men GM sade sin position på den försäljningen inte har ändrats.

Även Saab-anställda har ännu inte fått sina November lön, en annan gupp i vägen till återhämtning. Två fackförbund förra veckan in officiell begäran om pengar, vilket innebär att Saab har sju dagar på sig att betala eller nytt ansikte konkursförfarandet.



* På tv ticker tape i morse sa till Bank of China

* on television ticker tape this morning said to Bank of China

What's In The News: December 7, 2011 Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) To Change Name Of Next Line Of Phones (potential upside of 64.6%)

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Dec 7, 2011

This is what's in the news for Wednesday December 7th. The Wall Street Journal reports Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) plans to increase competition with Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) when it emulates the app store concept in personal computers, beginning with the next version of the Windows operating system. The Wall Street Journal also reports Coca-Cola's (NYSE:KO) Freestyle soda fountain received a major endorsement as Burger King Corp. (NYSE:BKC) said it's planning to install the high-tech machine in all 850 U.S. company-owned restaurants. Reuters reports more than 100 U.S. aerospace and defense industry executives are urging Defense Secretary Panetta to hold off on proposed changes to Pentagon contracts with industry because of competition, cost and job concerns. Finally, Bloomberg reports Teva Pharmaceutical's (NASDAQ:TEVA) emergency contraceptive may be the first approved for over-the-counter use by females of any age under a decision now under consideration by the FDA.

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Olympus Board Shows Signs of Quitting Over Accounting Scandal

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Dec 7, 2011

At a news conference on Wednesday, camera maker Olympus announced the resignation of one director, saying others may follow. This due in part to a $1.7 billion accounting fraud uncovered by former CEO Michael Woodford.

The company said the entire board of directors could resign once the firm submits its second-quarter earnings, due out by December 14th. This would cause a battle of control over the Japanese company with Woodford leading the pack.

Yesterday, an external investigative panel report revealed that several former executives spent 13 years running a complex scheme to hide huge investment losses off the company's balance sheet.

Police are still investigating the matter with rumors swirling that the company could be involved in organized crime. If this turns out to be true, Olympus would likely be delisted from the stock market.

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Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE) Stockholders Approve Spin-Off Of TripAdvisor (potential upside 12.9%)

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Dec 7, 2011

Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE) announced late Tuesday that its stockholders overwhelmingly approved the spin-off of TripAdvisor, and the related proposals submitted at Expedia's annual meeting of stockholders held earlier Wednesday, including the one-for-two reverse stock split proposal, the conversion of the outstanding shares of Expedia Series

A preferred stock into the right to receive a fixed amount of cash pursuant to a merger, and various amendments to Expedia's certificate of incorporation. The approval included a favorable vote by more than a majority of the non-management shares. Expedia expects the transaction to close on or about December 20, including implementation of a one-for-two reverse stock split of Expedia stock immediately prior to the spin-off.

On the first trading day after the spin-off is completed, which trading day is currently expected to be on or about Dec. 21, regular way trading will commence for TripAdvisor under the symbol "TRIP" and will continue for EXPE under the symbol "EXPE."

Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE) has potential upside of 12.9% based on a current price of $28.81 and an average consensus analyst price target of $32.53.

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Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) To Change Name Of Next Line Of Phones (potential upside of 64.6%)

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Dec 7, 2011

The Wall Street Journal reported that a federal judge has approved a request for a temporary restraining order from Basis International and has barred Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) from using the BBX name for its next generation smartphones.

Research in Motion said in a set statement that it doesn't typically comment on current litigation, but it said it has already revealed the BlackBerry 10 name for its new phones.

Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) has potential upside of 64.6% based on a current price of $17.03 and an average consensus analyst price target of $28.03.

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AT&T (NYSE:T) Provides Update On Trends In Wireless Segment (potential upside 7.3%)

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Dec 7, 2011

AT&T (NYSE:T) reaffirmed guidance given at release of its Q3 earnings that it expected Q4 to be one of its strongest smartphones sales quarters ever. The Company has been experiencing strong wireless sales so far in the fourth quarter, nearing the all-time quarterly smartphone sales record. For the first two months of the fourth quarter, AT&T sold about 6 million smartphones.

Its previous quarterly record was 6.1 million smartphone sales set in the third quarter of 2010. AT&T is also seeing a higher number of customers upgrading their handsets than in prior quarters, in part reflecting customers who were waiting for the new iPhone, which launched in October 2011.

The higher number of upgrades indicates that customers have continued to stay with AT&T in record numbers even in a very competitive environment, with more carriers than ever selling the iPhone. Also consistent with AT&T's earlier guidance, these record smartphone sales are expected to have a near-term negative impact on margins and therefore earnings.

However, AT&T expects that these postpaid customers over time will benefit the Company as, historically; postpaid customers produce stable revenue, reflecting their contract term, and higher average revenue per subscriber, including stronger data usage, than other customer categories.

AT&T (NYSE:T) has potential upside of 7.3% based on a current price of $29.17 and an average consensus analyst price target of $31.29.

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ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) May Look To Sell Louisiana Refinery (potential upside  7.3%)

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Dec 7, 2011

ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) may be looking to sell its Alliance refinery in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, Dow Jones reports.

The company says no layoffs are planned and the refinery will continue operating as usual throughout the marketing process. Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) has been retained to assist in soliciting potential interest in the refinery

ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) has potential upside of 7.3% based on a current price of $72.54 and an average consensus analyst price target of $77.8.

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J.C. Penney (NYSE:JCP) to Buy Stake in Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Dec 7, 2011

J.C. Penney Company (NYSE:JCP) and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (NYSE:MSO) announced they have entered into a strategic alliance to create a unique and comprehensive retail experience.

Under the terms of the 10-year agreement, both companies will develop both a retail space with in J.C. Penney stores and an e-commerce site. Both will offer Martha Stewart products, know-how and advice.

The agreement also involves an investment of $38.5 million by J.C. Penney. The retailer will buy 11 million newly issued shares of Class A common stock at $3.50 a share or 16.6% stake in Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

Ron Johnson, chief executive officer of J. C. Penney Company, Inc., said, "I have long admired Martha Stewart's extraordinary influence on the way American families live and enjoy their lives. For nearly two decades she has been the primary person we turn to for advice regarding food, entertaining, decorating, and celebrating life's memorable moments. The opportunity to work with Martha and create an entirely new shopping experience, both in-store and online, is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Martha Stewart brand embodies quality, beauty, inspiration and possibility and we intend for Martha Stewart stores to be a key centerpiece of our new strategy to transform jcpenney into America's Favorite Store."

JC Penney is currently above its 50-day moving average (MA) of $31.18 and above its 200-day of $32.51.

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Lehman Brothers Approved to Exit Bankruptcy

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Dec 7, 2011

Lehman Brothers, which collapsed in September 2008, received court approval to exit bankruptcy early next year.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge James Peck told a hearing in New York that Lehman may now wind down its remaining operations.

Lehman, which was run by Chief Executive Officer Richard Fuld when its collapse help bring on the worst economic slump since the Great Depression, settled a fight with creditors in a June payment plan that allotted more money to derivatives claimants including Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) less to bondholders such as Paulson & Co. Both groups had planned rival plans to pay Lehman's debts.

Citigroup (NYSE:C) begins more layoffs as it cuts 4,500 workers worldwide.

Published on Dec 7, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ Citigroup has started a round of layoffs among its London-based investment bankers as it cuts 4,500 workers worldwide.

Two percent of its workforce is being laid off, including hundreds in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Several Citi insiders said they expect further cuts, possibly next year.

Severance pay and other expenses related to the layoffs will cost the bank 300 million euros.

Citi Chief Executive Vikram Pandit said the latest cuts would be completed over "the next few quarters".
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Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Dec 7, 2011

Citigroup (NYSE:C) CEO Vikram Pandit announced that the bank plans to cut 4,500 jobs, or about 1.5% of its global workforce of 267,000, over the next few quarters, the Associated Press reports.

As a result of the cuts, the bank will take a $400 million charge in Q4. Pandit has also warned that Citigroup will take a $500 million hit to revenue from an accounting-related charge related to the changing value of its debt.

Pandit said, "Financial services faces an extremely challenging operating environment with an unprecedented combination of market uncertainty, sustained economic weakness in the developed economies and the most substantial regulatory changes we have seen in our lifetimes. These trends will likely significantly affect the competitive landscape in the coming years."

Citigroup (NYSE:C) has potential upside of 46.4% based on a current price of $29.75 and an average consensus analyst price target of $43.55.

Afghanistan - Roadside bomb kills 19 civilians / افغانستان -- انفجار عبوة ناسفة يقتل 19 مدنيا

Published on Dec 7, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ A day after Afghanistan was rocked by deadly and apparently sectarian attacks 19 people have been killed in a roadside bomb in Helmand province.

The local governor says the victims were civilians travelling in a van between Lashkar Gah and Sangin district.

It came as the funerals of some 60 people killed in three separate bombings on Tuesday were taking place. Most of those died in a suicide atttack on Shi'ites taking part in a religious ceremony in Kabul. The other blasts were in Kandahar and Mazar-i-Sharif.

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وهزت أفغانستان بعد يوم من الهجمات القاتلة والطائفية على ما يبدو وقتل 19 شخصا في انفجار قنبلة زرعت على جانب طريق في اقليم هلمند.

المحافظ يقول ان الضحايا كانوا من المدنيين يستقلون سيارة فان بين لشكركاه ومنطقة سانجين.

كما انه جاء في تشييع جنازة نحو 60 شخصا قتلوا في ثلاثة تفجيرات منفصلة يوم الثلاثاء كانت تجري. مات معظم هؤلاء في عمل انتحاري على الشيعة يشاركون في احتفال ديني في كابول. كانت انفجارات اخرى في قندهار ومزار الشريف.

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Karzai blames Pakistani militants for bombings /

کرزئی نے بم دھماکوں کے لئے پاکستانی عسکریت پسندوں کو مورد الزام ٹھہرایا

Published on Dec 7, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ A deadly bomb attack in Helmand province is the latest incident in a wave of violence in Afghanistan that looks like stoking tensions with Pakistan. Nineteen civilians died when their van was caught in a roadside bomb explosion.

It is not clear if it is linked to Tuesday's sectarian bombings that President Hamid Karzai has blamed on Pakistani militants. Almost 60 people were killed in blasts in Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif and Kandahar. Most were Shi'ites taking part in a religious festival.