July 27, 2007  nº 520  -  Vol. 5  
 

“We live in a rainbow of chaos.”

Paul Cezanne (1839-1906)

In today’s  Law Firm Marketing: How to attract business clients? Interaction and persistence effective at opening doors.

• Top News

Brazil's defense minister fired

Lula has sacked his defense minister, whose ministry oversees air traffic control, following the country's deadliest air disaster. Even before the crash, Waldir Pires had faced criticism after nearly a year of periodic travel chaos. Lula has promised to take all measures needed to prevent further air disasters. Pires will be replaced by former Supreme Court President, Nelson Jobim, whose handling of the aviation crisis has been criticized as inefficient! Since the Tam Airlines crash on 17 July, all flights at Sao Paulo's Congonhas airport, the country's busiest hub, have been diverted to a secondary runway and flights are suspended when there is rainy weather. There has been intense speculation but no confirmation on the cause of the Tam Airlines crash.

Crash homes on Brazil infrastructure woe

Brazil's greatest challenge in its quest to become an economic superpower: How to upgrade its overburdened infrastructure. The government is planning to spend billions of dollars in coming years to modernize and expand strained roads, power plants and ports in a bid to accelerate growth in South America's largest economy. But decades of infrastructure neglect, due to years of economic instability in the wake of the Latin American debt crisis of the 1980's, will not be quickly remedied. The strain, in some cases, is having disastrous consequences. The "Growth Acceleration Project," or PAC, calls for spending approximately $252 billion over the next four years on transportation, energy and ports. So far, little if any of that money has been spent, however, largely due to the country's bureaucracy and regulatory morass, with environmental authorities slow to approve plans and squabbling over the bidding process. Meanwhile, the country's infrastructure languishes. Many of Brazil's highways have yet to be paved and those that are often suffer from crater sized-potholes. There is no national railway system, so goods must be moved in trucks which line up for miles outside the nation's ports, waiting to load their cargo, slowing down exports. But the most serious problem may lie in the electric sector. Most analysts predict Brazil will have to resort to energy rationing as it did in 2001 if new power plants do not come on line soon. "Normally, governments only act in response to a crisis," says Alexandre Barros, a political risk consultant for the Early Warning institute in Brasilia, "I think this will only increase the pressure for privatization and more public, private partnerships." But proponents of privatization will likely find stiff opposition in Lula's Workers' Party. The president's power base lies with the poor, and the government is loath to anger supporters with the kind of rate hikes greater privatization would likely bring. Privatizing the country's airports and aviation infrastructure is even more difficult because Lulaa - a former opponent of the country's 1964-86 military dictatorship - has been unable to wrest control of the aviation system from the military.

Asian stocks continue world fall

Yesterday, Wall Street was shaken by bad news out of the credit and housing markets. The Dow industrials plunged 311.50, or 2.3%, to 13473.57 and the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.78%. Today,  stock markets continue to fall amid concerns about higher global interest rates and how they will affect firms' profits.

US growth outweighs housing slump

The US economy is growing at a "moderate" pace despite the housing slump, according to the Federal Reserve's Beige Book. It says that growth in manufacturing and commercial property outweighed the slowdown in housing in June and July. It reported that consumer prices had been growing at a moderate rate as oil and gasoline prices rose.

Law targeting illegal immigrants struck down

A federal judge in the US has ruled as unconstitutional a tough anti-illegal immigration law, in the town of Hazleton in Pennsylvania, that would have penalized employers who hired illegal immigrants and fined landlords who rented to them. Hazleton is just one of several communities that have passed such laws. Judge James Munley said the law denied rights granted to everyone in the US, whether legally resident or not. Businesses employing illegal workers would have had their trading licenses suspended, while landlords renting to undocumented immigrants faced fines. The ruling could affect several similar laws awaiting approval across the US. The Illegal Immigration Relief Act in Hazleton was one of the most controversial immigration laws in the US.

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• Crumbs!

1 - Yen rallies as investors flee risk. (Read more)

2 - Ford swings to surprise profit. (Read more)

3 - Defense minister is replaced as Brazil’s air crisis grows. (Read more)

4 - Fiancee of man shot more than 50 times sues NYPD. (Read more)

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• MiMIC Journal

Top China boss removed from party

The former Communist Party leader of Shanghai has been expelled from the party. Chen Liangyu was also sacked from all his government positions, according to state television. He was fired last year after a probe into the alleged misuse of the city's pension fund. Many other senior figures were also accused of involvement. Analysts say the latest move against Chen could take him one step closer to standing trial on corruption charges.

New Beijing exhibit promotes China's army

The rapidly modernizing People's Liberation Army in China has put itself on display. A new exhibit features high-tech weaponry and a heavy emphasis on outer space. It shows that China is moving from a defensive military posture to the projection of force beyond its borders.

China-Iran trade surge vexes U.S.

The U.S. government says a handful of Chinese companies have ramped up shipments of sensitive military technologies to Iran, part of a surge in China-Iran trade that is complicating efforts to apply pressure on Tehran to rein in its nuclear program.

• Law Firm Marketing

How to attract business clients: Interaction and persistence effective at opening doors

by Trey Ryder

Marketing to corporations can be difficult, especially if they already have lawyers they trust.  Still, at one time or another, executives look for additional legal help, either because they don't see eye to eye with existing counsel, or because they need lawyers with added expertise.  These tips will help you position yourself so business executives seek out your services.

1.  Specialize in one area of the law.  A Florida lawyer recently told me he dramatically increased business when he chose one area of practice.  Before, he had offered services in several areas.  This blurred his focus and never clearly defined what he did in the minds of his prospects and referral sources.  Now, since he has specialized, he has seen a dramatic increase in business.  It's easier for people to remember what you do when you limit yourself to one area.  Plus, they are more inclined to seek out -- or send referrals to -- a lawyer they perceive as a specialist.

2.  Educate prospective clients.  Use different educational tools, such as seminars and newsletters, to explain potential problems and the risks of allowing them to persist.  Then offer your recommendations.  Even if business owners and managers haven't hired your services, they will appreciate your insights and suggestions.  Keep the lines of communication open with ongoing information and advice.

3.  Write articles for trade and professional publications.  Two business and insurance lawyers recently had their first article published in a statewide trade journal.  Within days it brought them new clients.  Media publicity should never be your entire marketing program.  Still, when carried out properly, it can prove to be a powerful piece in your marketing mosaic.

4.  Speak at business meetings and conferences.  Prepare a flier about your program and send it to trade associations.  When meeting planners know you offer a seminar, they often invite you to make your presentation if the subject interests their audience.  Also, make sure editors know about your program because they often play a key role in planning conferences.

5.  Present in-house seminars for executives at companies you’d like to represent.  Mail your program flier with a cover letter to key management personnel.  Offer to present roundtables for top executives -- and seminars for executives and managers.

6.  Mail your newsletter every two to four weeks.  Add companies you'd like to have as clients to your mailing list.  Invite executives to add names of their colleagues to your mailing list.  In your newsletter, give readers ongoing reasons to interact with you, such as attending your seminars and requesting your educational materials.  (In most jurisdictions, mailing unsolicited educational material does not meet the definition of "targeted direct mail to people known to need legal services", as regulated by many bar associations.  Check your local bar rules.)  As an alternative to a printed newsletter, send a weekly e-mail alert.  Make sure you set up a method by which prospects can opt in so they welcome your e-mail.

7.  Establish an education-based web site.  Lawyers continue to report positive experiences from education-based web sites.  A web site creates the perception that you’re technologically advanced.  It provides a quick and easy way for prospects to get a great deal of information about you and your firm.  A web site is an inexpensive way to deliver your marketing message, compared with other marketing methods.  And we’ve reached the point today where if you don’t have a web site, prospects often conclude something’s wrong with you.

8.  Network to build personal connections.  Ask for introductions from professionals who work with executives.  Don't underestimate the value of relationships.  When prospects like you, they are drawn to you at both the conscious and subconscious level.  Approach prospects by letter, not telephone.  Add them to your mailing list so they receive notice of your seminars and your offers of free educational materials.  Give new prospects time to get to know you.  Also, network with members of law firms that don't have attorneys in your area of expertise.

9.  Start a radio talk show directed at your target audience.  Then invite executives or managers who are your prospects to come on your show as guests.  Often, executives like to be the focus of attention, especially on shows directed toward their industry or profession.  (When I hosted a radio talk show, not one person declined my invitation to appear as a guest.)  What's more, they come into the studio in a friendly, upbeat mood because they want to be at their best.  This gives you the opportunity to meet and work with executives when they don't have their defenses up.  What's more, they appreciate your invitation.  The real value of having your own radio talk show isn’t only the audience you reach over the airwaves.  You also benefit from the many relationships you build with your guests.

10.  Volunteer your time where you will meet prospective clients.  A Durham, North Carolina attorney serves on the board of a community college foundation along with 35 other members, primarily senior executives from banks and major corporations.  As a sole practitioner, she reports, "This allows me to rub elbows with local executives.  I can see how top managers work and think, and pick up business, too."

11.  Start a non-profit organization that will help members of your target audience.  In addition, invite onto your advisory board professionals from whom you can receive referrals.  When you and your prospects work together for a common cause, you get to know and trust each other.  This paves the way to a lawyer/client relationship.  And when you and your referral sources have the opportunity to work together, those relationships flourish as well.

12.  Start small at first.  Offer to help prospects in small ways, such as providing second opinions or reviewing documents.  Offer to identify problem areas and recommend solutions.  After you get your foot in the door, you will go from small tasks to larger projects.  But don't expect a lot of work at the beginning.  Give executives time to evaluate your skills and judgment as you establish your credibility.

13.  Don't give up.  It may be tomorrow -- or next year -- but at some time, company executives will need more legal help -- or need to bring in a specialist.  And when that day arrives, you want to be in the strongest competitive position.  Some managers may follow your articles and seminars for years, but unless they have a specific reason to call, you may never hear from them.

Create opportunities and reasons for executives to interact with you.  Be patient, polite and persistent.  Let them know you're there when they need you and that they’re welcome to call anytime with their questions.  Sooner or later, they will come to you with their problems.  If you take them off your mailing list, they might conclude you don't want their business -- or that you’ve closed your firm.  Remember, when you're out of sight, you're out of mind.

Don't give up!

© Trey Ryder

FREE LAWYER MARKETING ALERT:  If you'd like to receive Trey Ryder's weekly Lawyer Marketing Alert, send an e-mail to [email protected]. Write "Subscribe LMA" in the subject line and write your name and e-mail address in the body of the message.

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• Historia Verdadera

Homex, una de las mayores constructoras de viviendas en México, informó que uno de sus accionistas, el fondo Equity International, vendió un 20 por ciento de su participación en la compañía.

Monopolios

El regulador antimonopolios de Colombia bloqueó el plan de integración de la mexicana Mexichem con la colombiana Pavco, al considerar que su fusión tendrá efectos nocivos en el mercado de tubos u otros productos de plático de la industria local.

TV & Chávez

El abogado del canal Radio Caracas Televisión, Oswaldo Quintana, y la directiva del canal analizan nuevas medidas jurídicas para enfrentar las últimas órdenes de Conatel, que le dio plazo hasta el venidero miércoles para registrarse como producto nacional audiovisual, caso contrario tendría que salir del aire.

Gas

La empresa de transporte de hidrocarburos Transredes, que opera en Bolivia, invertirá alrededor de US$ 160 mlls., en la construcción del gasoducto Carrasco – Cochabamba y la ampliación de los gasoductos del altiplano y Villamontes – Tarija.

Cumbre

Las organizaciones sociales y los pueblos originarios indígenas de Bolivia se concentraran en una cumbre nacional el viernes para respaldar la continuidad de la Asamblea Constituyente y rechazar todo intento de división que se registra en el país andino.

Relaciones

La embajadora de Brasil en Nicaragua, Vitoria Alice Cleaver, informó que el presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visita Nicaragua el próximo 7 de agosto, acompañado de 30 empresarios de alto nivel que tienen la expectativa de invertir en el sector construcción, la banca, el sector textil, la energía y bio-energía.

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• Brief News

Judge dismisses Parmalat US trial

A US federal judge has ruled that two banks and two auditors will not need to face charges over the collapse of Italian dairy firm Parmalat in 2003. US district judge Lewis Kaplan said much or all of the alleged improper conduct took place outside of the US. Citigroup, Bank of America, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and Grant Thornton will now not need to face charges, he said. Parmalat was Europe's biggest bankruptcy, and investors have taken legal action to get their money back.

Space computer 'sabotage' probed

Nasa is investigating the apparent sabotage of a computer due to be flown to the International Space Station on the Endavour space shuttle next month. The US space agency said the damage to wiring in a network box was intentional and obvious, but said it could be repaired before take-off on 7 August.

Disney pledges to cut out smoking

The Disney Studio has pledged to remove smoking from its family-oriented films. The media giant said depictions of smoking in future Disney-branded films would be "non-existent". And smoking will be "discouraged" in films aimed at adults released under its Touchstone and Miramax banners.

Bush aides in US firings subpoena

Two senior advisers to President George W Bush have been summoned to testify at a US Senate committee investigating the sacking of eight federal prosecutors. Top strategist Karl Rove and White House deputy political director Scott Jennings have been subpoenaed by Democrat senators. The senators have so far failed to make any senior presidential aides testify. Meanwhile, the judiciary committee of the US House of Representatives has voted to file a contempt of Congress charge against chief of staff Joshua Bolten and former legal counsel Harriet Miers, who failed to comply with subpoenas to testify to Congress over the dismissals. Bush invoked executive privilege earlier in July to stop the two aides from testifying to Congress. The contempt charge must be approved by the full House of Representatives. The charge carries a possible jail sentence of a year.

Senators call for Gonzales perjury probe

The move comes after documents showed the attorney general's sworn testimony was at odds with the evidence of a meeting with key lawmakers in 2004.

Bulgarian baby trade

Babies are being illegally offered for sale in Bulgaria with the promise of smuggling them abroad.  A self-confessed human trafficker in the resort city of Varna showed off toddlers with a selling price of 60,000 euros each. Harry the smuggler never asks what would happen to the child who, he said, could be smuggled to London via routes he had used in the past to traffic prostitutes.

New rules for disabled air travel

A European law that will improve air travel for disabled and older people has come into effect. Under the new rules, airlines and holiday companies will no longer be able to refuse to fly people because of their disability. The European Disability Forum says it is a "key date" for disabled people.

Debt crisis hits Chrysler buyout

The recent volatility in global debt markets has thrown the funding for the buyout of Chrysler into disarray. Banks have failed to find buyers of loans worth $12bn to help Cerberus Capital Management buy DaimlerChrysler's loss-making US arm. Reports say Chrysler's lenders, which include JP Morgan, will keep $10bn of the loan on their books. Fears are increasing that more expensive borrowing costs will derail the private equity-led buyout boom.

Finally, good news for Ford: a $750m profit

US carmaker Ford has posted its first quarterly profit since 2005, crediting cost-cutting and the sale of its Aston Martin business for its progress. It made $750m between March and June, as against a loss of $317m in the same period a year ago. The news came as Ford said that it was talking "in greater detail" to parties interested in buying its UK Jaguar and Land Rover divisions. Analysts believe a private equity buyer is most likely to buy the marques.

U.S. Must Pay $101.8 Million for role in false convictions

In what appears to be the largest sum ever awarded in such a case, a judge on Thursday ordered the federal government to pay $101.8 million for framing four men for a murder they did not commit. “It took nearly 30 years to uncover this injustice,” said Judge Nancy Gertner of Federal District Court. He also said the case was about “the framing of innocent men,” adding that “F.B.I. officials up the line allowed their employees to break laws, violate rules and ruin lives.”

Real posts biggest drop in 14 Months on risk aversion

Brazil's real fell the most since May 2006 as concerns about loan defaults in the U.S. made investors shun riskier emerging market assets. The real lost 3.35 percent to 1.9285 per dollar at 5:47 p.m. New York time from 1.866 yesterday, the biggest drop since falling 4 percent to 2.2980 on May 22, 2006. The currency has gained 11.6 percent this year, the best performer among the 16 most actively trade currencies. Brazil canceled a weekly auction of local-currency government bonds because increased investor aversion to riskier assets has pushed yields higher than the government is willing to pay. Stocks in the Brazilian stock exchange slumped, with the Bovespa stock index dropping 3.76 percent at 53,893.155.

Backer of Refco Sues

Buyout firm Thomas H. Lee sued Mayer Brown over the law firm's alleged role in a cover-up at commodities firm Refco.

Intel to face antitrust charges in Europe

Intel will be charged by European antitrust authorities with using illegal tactics in competing against rival chip maker AMD.

Judge dismisses Coke patent lawsuit

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by Coca-Cola Co. that charged its rival PepsiCo Inc. with patent infringement on a collapsible bag that dispenses syrup for fountain sodas. It was the third such lawsuit Atlanta-based Coca-Cola has brought against PepsiCo or its affiliates in the past six years. 

FCC will not reinstate Fairness Doctrine

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  will not reinstate the Fairness Doctrine, according to a letter  released Thursday to Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN)  by FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. The Fairness Doctrine, under which broadcast licenses could be revoked if the broadcaster failed to give airtime to opposing sides of controversial issues, was struck down by the FCC in 1987. Recently, Democratic lawmakers have pushed for Congress to consider reinstating the doctrine, after recent attacks on immigration reform bills by radio talk shows. Pence and other lawmakers responded by introducing the Broadcaster Freedom Act of 2007 , which would prevent reinstatement of the doctrine.

Bulgaria defends pardon of HIV medics 

Bulgarian Prosecutor General Boris Velchev Thursday defended Bulgaria's pardon of six medics against Libyan criticism , saying that Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov  properly exercised his discretionary power to pardon the six defendants, who were within the legal jurisdiction of Bulgaria. On Wednesday, the Libyan Foreign Ministry issued a formal complaint accusing Bulgaria of violating a prisoner exchange agreement dating back to 1984, under which the six were supposed to serve their life sentences. The Libyan Association for the Families of HIV-Infected Children has called on the Libyan government to sever diplomatic relations with Bulgaria and expel all Bulgarians residing in Libya.

Kansas Supreme Court delays hearing constitutionality of funeral picketing law 

The Kansas Supreme Court  delayed a bid by Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison  to test the constitutionality of an anti-funeral picketing law  Wednesday, saying it wasn't sure whether Gov. Kathleen Sebelius  was correctly named as the defendant. The court sought clarification from Morrison before August 24. The court, which may dismiss the lawsuit, also asked Morrison to specify what relief his lawsuit is seeking because there was no "case or controversy" as the law has not yet entered into effect. Morrison has indicated that he will file a response  to address the court's concerns. He had asked the court to rule on whether legislators had the authority to force Morrison to file a lawsuit against funeral picketers, and whether the law was constitutional. The law will "prohibit persons from engaging in picketing or a directed protest within 150 yards of any entrance" where a funeral is held or "conducted within one hour prior to, during the funeral, or within two hours following the funereal." The law will also allow defamation lawsuits "by the estate on behalf of the person or any living relative of the deceased person" against protesters. More than 30 states have passed similar laws in response to the group, and a federal law  restricting protests at Arlington National Cemetery and other federal cemeteries has also been passed.

Domestic violence law not narrowed by same-sex marriage ban: Ohio high court 

The Supreme Court of Ohio  ruled Wednesday that unmarried couples are subject to domestic violence statutes, despite the fact that the law refers to those "living as a spouse." The case arose when a man charged under the domestic violence statute for alleged abuse of his live-in girlfriend attempted to argue that the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage prevented the state from giving legal status to any unmarried couples. The court held that a variety of couples are included within the definition of the law, as the law refers to those who are living together, rather than those who are married.

• Daily Press Review

Nigeria's president names cabinet
BBC News, Centrist newscaster, London, England

Four Rare Gorillas Killed in Congo, Another Feared Dead
CongoPlanet.com, Independent online news aggregator

Lufthansa resumes daily flight to Accra
GhanaWeb, Online news portal, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Spain: Migrant Children at Risk in Government Facilities
Human Rights Watch (Africa), International news press releases

12 children hurt as minibus flips
Independent Online, News portal, Cape Town, South Africa

'Master of deceit' guilty of murdering his parents
Mail & Guardian Online, Liberal, Johannesburg, South Africa

Public subsidising minister's jaunts?
News24.com, Online news portal, Cape Town, South Africa

Raul Castro says Cuba avoided collapse the U.S. predicted
Brazil Sun, Independent online news aggregator

Angel speaks little on Beenie Man, Barbee scandal
Caribbean News Portal, Online news aggregator

Colombia: Guerrillas' Landmine Use Takes Heavy Toll on Civilians
Human Rights Watch (Americas), International news press releases

CUBA: Raúl Castro Acknowledges Day-to-Day Hardships
IPS Latin America, International cooperative of journalists, Rome, Italy

Gleaner Editors' Forum - Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to reform health - Promises to dismantle the Regional Health Authorities
Jamaica Gleaner, Independent daily, Kingston, Jamaica

Peru Hotels Society Declares Need for Own Ministry of Tourism
Living in Peru, News portal, Lima, Peru

Australian drops terror charge against Indian doctor
The Globe and Mail, Centrist daily, Toronto, Canada

Minister quits over grants
Toronto Star, Liberal daily, Toronto, Canada

Some 715 flood victims in Morowali evacuated
Antara News, News agency, Jakarta, Indonesia

NASA: Worker Sabotaged Computer Bound for Space Station
Chosun Ilbo, Conservative daily, Seoul, South Korea

Death for Yakub, other Memons get life
India Express, News portal, Mumbai, India

UP eases curbs on new tech institutes
India Times, Conservative daily, New Delhi, India

The Messengers
Japan Times, Independent centrist, Tokyo, Japan

Post-mortem of  abused baby shows she died of head injuries
Malaysian Star, Online news portal,  Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Quake rattles East Coast
New Zealand Herald, Conservative daily, Auckland, New Zealand

Armed warriors kill one soldier, injure two in northeastern Uganda 
People's Daily Online, English-language, Beijing, China

Bracks and deputy quit
Sydney Morning Herald, Centrist daily, Sydney, Australia

NDA briefed on nuclear agreement
The Hindu, Left-leaning daily, Chennai, India

Australia drops UK bombing charges
BBC News, Centrist newscaster, London, England

Cadbury gives more time for drinks sale
BreakingNews.ie, Online news portal, Cork, Ireland

My baby hell, by wife of the 7/7 ringleader
Daily Mail, Conservative daily, London, England

comScore introduces comScore Segment Metrix
DMeurope, Online news portal, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Liverpool grot shame of tycoon Albert Gubay
icLiverpool, Online news portal, Liverpool, England

Human Rights Watch says migrant children are at risk in Canary Islands
International Herald Tribune, Independent daily, Paris, France

Gang targets lifeboat shop
Isle of Wight County Press, Independent daily, Isle of Wight, England

D-day for c-charge
Manchester Online, Independent daily, Manchester, England

In the swim for Hassan
News & Star, Independent daily, Carlisle, England

Leadership row: result stalemate, cost 437k
North-West Evening Mail, Independent daily, Cumbria, England

Czechs love their cottages, but perhaps less than they used to
Radio Prague, Online news portal, Prague, Czech Republic

Bomber's Widow: I Don't Know Why He Did It
Sky News, Independent newscaster, Middlesex, England

Rent an American!:  Exchange Students Find a New Way to Deal With Germans
Spiegel International, Liberal newsmagazine, Hamburg, Germany

Scientists link diabetes drugs to heart failure
The Guardian, Liberal daily, London, England

Floods kill hundreds in southeast Asia
The Irish Times, Centrist daily, Dublin, Ireland

Two Lebanese soldiers die in camp battle
The Scotsman, Moderate daily, Edinburgh, Scotland

Yobs risk flood victims' lives
The Sun, Conservative tabloid, London, England

Australia drops terror charges against doctor
The Telegraph, Conservative daily, London, England

Trade links put at risk after Moscow expels senior embassy official
Times Online, Conservative daily, London, England

Report: PA Chief Drafts Moderate Agenda
Arutz Sheva, Online, right-wing, Tel Aviv, Israel

Old Tape Revives Speculation on Bin Laden's Fate
Asharq Al-Awsat, Pan-Arab daily, London, England

Sarkozy: Trust Arab states with N-power
Gulf News, Independent daily, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Israeli sources: PA has helped foil terror attacks
Haaretz, Liberal daily, Tel Aviv, Israel

RELIGION:   U.S. Evangelicals Approach Muslim Envoys
IPS Middle East, International cooperative of journalists, Rome, Italy

Jordan reiterates call for assistance to Iraqi Refugees
Middle East North African Network, Online financial portal, Amman, Jordan

Australia Drops Terror Charges Against Indian Doctor
Nahamet, Online news portal, Beirut, Lebanon

Abbas expresses hope for peace deal with Israel before end of Bush term
The Daily Star, Independent daily, Beirut, Lebanon

Al-Dhale pensioners demonstrate (Front)
Yemen Times, Independent weekly, Sana'a, Yemen

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