Foreign firms stay in Russia despite crisis
Russia's financial crisis has taken its toll on foreign companies but few are abandoning the world's biggest country -- still a potentially lucrative market for consumer goods.

Japan economy seen shrinking 1.6%
Japan's shaky economy is expected to contract in the current fiscal year to next March, with no sign in sight of a quick recovery from its deepest postwar recession, a Reuters poll of economists showed on Thursday.

Tigers' terror campaign paralyses Jaffna
Sri Lanka is rapidly losing control over the northern Jaffna peninsula with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) unleashing a campaign of terror and intimidation in the region. Civilians living there are virtually cut off from the rest of the country.

  China, Taiwan hope talks will "work wonders"
  W Asia peace deal may finally come through
  Observers report Serb compliance
  India to confront Pak with evidence of sponsored terrorism
  Italy PM gives up bid to form new government
  Put development first, says Sen
  American Home Products, Monsanto end merger pact
  Intel says meeting current demand a challenge
  Cendant ditches plans to buy American Bankers
  Hong Kong's exports face pricing pressure from Asian crisis
  Autonomous car of the future
  Apple Computer trounces Wall Street estimates
  Indonesia plans to set up body to replace Bulog
  Turkey faces sharp drop in textile exports
  Short supply lifts Asian lead spot price
  Australia hopes wool freeze will aid prices
  Nation has tripped on social-building
  Global economic scene will be a shade better next year
  Global recession cannot be ruled out, say economists
  Mixed trend in Europe, Dow may open weak
  US firm to acquire 49% stake in Orissa power corp
  Motor Medics signs pact with Canadian firm