Iran seeks convergence among regional nations

Iran's Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani says Tehran pursues the policy of strengthening convergence among regional countries and resolving disputes through negotiations. "The policy of the Islamic Republic is to strengthen convergence among regional countries and to resolve differences and disputes through negotiation and mutual understanding," Larijani said on Sunday. The Speaker made the remarks at a meeting with Armenia's Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian in Tehran.

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Sarkozy, Hollande both threatened by shadows of scandal

French first lady ‘in waiting’?

French presidential frontrunner Francois Hollande headed into the last round of his battle with Nicolas Sarkozy on Sunday, with both candidates threatened by the shadow of scandal. Socialist challenger Hollande is the favourite to win next week's vote, but his campaign was shaken over the weekend by a new episode in the saga of his party's ties to disgraced former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

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Global employment situation ‘alarming’ -International Labour Organization

Narrow focus of eurozone countries on austerity worsens jobs crisis:

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has warned that the global employment situation is “alarming” and unlikely to improve soon. The agency said that austerity measures, especially in advanced economies, were hurting job creation. The ILO said the situation was likely to get worse amid slowing global growth and more people entering the workforce.

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