EU-DIGEST

Times Online: General Motors drives Germany to despair - by Dominic O’Connell

2009-11-08T15:01:00.000+01:00

For the complete repoort from the Times Online click on this link

The directors of General Motors met for dinner last Monday in advance of an eagerly anticipated board meeting the following day. It was a chance for them to get to know one another. There wasn’t much time for chit-chat. New or not, the board had to make a historic decision — whether to cut GM’s ties with Europe, and its claim to be a global car company, by selling Opel and Vauxhall. Henderson made no firm recommendation. After all, the board had approved the deal in principle and was expected to give the green light. Except it didn’t. Immediately after the meeting, GM announced that it would keep Opel / Vauxhall, saying the business was now judged vital to product and technology development strategy. The decision provoked fury in Germany, where the Magna plan had been supported because it promised fewer job losses. Henderson had to call Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, with the news — she was in Washington to see President Barack Obama.

The workforce of Opel in Germany, some 25,000, took to the streets within 48 hours. “The strikes beginning in Germany will be repeated across Europe,” said Klaus Franz, head of the Opel works council in Germany. “The next move from General Motors will be to blackmail the governments and employees of Europe to finance their unworkable plans for restructuring Opel.” Others joined the attack. “This behaviour of General Motors shows the ugly face of unbridled capitalism,” said Jürgen Rüttgers, governor of North Rhine Westphalia and a leading figure in the German government. The Opel factory at Bochum, in his state, is high on the list of possible closures with the loss of 5,000 jobs. Germany’s bestselling newspaper, Bild Zeitung, described GM as “bullshitters”.

Note EU-Digest: Why doesn't the German Government nationalize Opel?TGm should not be able to get away with this.

The Guardian: France : Christine Lagarde: French model on the world stage - by Ashley Seager and Heather Stewart

2009-11-08T14:30:00.000+01:00

For the complete report from the guardian.co.uk click on this link

After more than a decade of lectures from Gordon Brown about the need to let markets rip, it is little wonder that the French are having the last laugh. As she relaxed in her room in the Dorchester in London ahead of Saturday's G20 meeting in Scotland, the French economy minister, Christine Lagarde, was quietly satisfied that the French economy is in better shape than Britain's. And if you suggest to her that working with the pro-City, anti-regulation Conservatives will be more of a struggle than the Labour government, the former head of a US law firm cannot help but burst out laughing: "But you had Gordon Brown for all those years!"

Lagarde insists that the interventionist policies of President Nicolas Sarkozy's government, along with France's famously more generous social safety net, have been crucial factors. "The welfare system that we have, on which we spend a lot more public money than the UK, that's an economic model that is slightly different; that has been a bit of a shock absorber." Instead of relying on exhortations to banks to lend, Lagarde has taken a more "dirigiste" approach, appointing a "credit mediator" to intervene. So far, 10,000 firms have been helped and banks that fail to extend credit lines to viable businesses are "named and shamed".

The Washington Post: Could America go broke - ( or are they already?) - by Rober J.Samuelson

2009-11-08T14:20:00.000+01:00

For the complete report from the washingtonpost.com click on this link

The idea that the government of a major advanced country would default on its debt -- that is, tell lenders that it won't repay them all they're owed -- was, until recently, a preposterous proposition. Argentina and Russia have stiffed their creditors, but surely the likes of the United States, Japan or Britain wouldn't. Well, it's still a very, very long shot, but it's no longer entirely unimaginable. Governments of rich countries are borrowing so much that it's conceivable that one day the twin assumptions underlying their burgeoning debt (that lenders will continue to lend and that governments will continue to pay) might collapse. What happens then?

Wealthy societies everywhere face a similar dilemma. Debt is ballooning from already high levels. The US Congressional Budget Office reckons the Obama administration's planned budgets would increase the debt-to-GDP ratio from 41 percent in 2008 to 82 percent in 2019. Higher interest rates would aggravate the debt burden. Anticipating higher rates, the CBO estimates annual interest payments on the federal debt at $799 billion in 2019, up from $170 billion in 2009. Even the size of exposed debt is unclear; adding Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's debts (effectively guaranteed by the government) to Treasury debt would raise the total sharply.

Daily News: US Health Care: House passes health care reform bill; Vote garners only one Republican - by Michael Mcauliff

2009-11-08T14:07:00.001+01:00

For the complete report from the NY Daily News

The biggest overhaul of America's medical system since Medicare took a big step forward Saturday night, narrowly passing the House with a controversial amendment to restrict coverage of abortion. Democrats cheered and high-fived each other in the House chamber after lawmakers voted 220 to 215 to pass the landmark measure at 11:12 p.m. A lone GOPer, Rep. Joseph Cao of Louisiana, backed the bill, while 39 Dems defected. "Oh, what a night!" declared House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was forced to make major concessions to conservatives, including adding a controversial abortion restriction. "The United States Senate must follow suit and pass its version," Obama said. "I am absolutely confident it will, and I look forward to signing comprehensive health insurance reform into law by the end of the year."

Note EU-Digest: the vote shows how Republicans are united when it comes to protecting the medical and insurance industry, who are the major financiers of their political campaigns. As to the Democrats who sided with the Republicans by voting against the bill ( for basically the same reasons as the Republicans), one can only hope that the voters make sure they remember the names of these Democrats and Republicans who voted against the legislation when they can't pay their medical bills because they are not insured or for lack of money to buy required medicine or special treatment.

France 24/AP: Norway drops Israel war crimes investigation

2009-11-08T00:03:00.001+01:00

For the complete report from France 24 click on this link

Norwegian prosecutors announced on Friday they would not pursue war crimes charges against Israeli officials, including former prime minister Ehud Olmert, over the Gaza Strip offensive. Six Norwegian lawyers brought a case against Olmert and nine others in April for alleged offense during the conflict in December-January. The Scandinavian country's courts were recently given universal jurisdiction in human rights matters, but prosecutors said the Gaza case had nothing to do with Norway. "We are not saying there were no war crimes. We are simply saying there is no reason to open an investigation in this case," Norwegian chief prosecutor Siri Frigaard told AFP.

Time Magazine: The Dollar's slow decline- by Michael Schuman

2009-11-07T15:58:00.000+01:00

For the complete report from TIME magazine click on this link

So has the dollar finally used up the last of its nine lives? There are worrying signs that the world is losing its appetite for dollars. The International Monetary Fund announced on Nov. 2 it was selling 200 metric tons of gold to India's central bank for $6.7 billion. News of the purchase sent gold prices to an all-time high. The move was widely seen as part of an effort by central banks around the world to diversify their extensive U.S. dollar holdings. Steven Englander, chief U.S. currency strategist at Barclays Capital in New York City, figures that in the second quarter, dollars accounted for only 37% of new reserves accumulated by central banks worldwide. That's the lowest proportion on record for any quarter during which reserves increased significantly. At a time when many central banks are boosting their reserves, they are choosing to buy euro and yen instead. "Central banks are doing more than talking about reducing the concentration of [the U.S. dollar] in their reserve portfolios. They are actually acting on their statements," Englander wrote in an October report. If that shift from talk to action continues, the consequences could be severe and wide-ranging. Central bankers are the currency market's buyer of last resort, and thus the private sector's view of the dollar's value and stability can be heavily influenced by what they do. Still, there are many constraints to how far and fast the dollar falls. The issue facing central bankers is a complex one.

Todays Zaman: EU objects to "convicted criminal" Omar al-Bashir's visit to Turkey

2009-11-07T15:35:00.002+01:00

For the complete report from Todays Zaman click on this link

Turkey has received a request from the European Union to reconsider its decision to invite indicted Sudanese president Omar Hassan al-Bashir . Bashir, who in March became the first sitting head of state to be indicted by the ICC at The Hague, is among heads of state and government that İstanbul will host for an economic summit during the Organization of the Islamic Conference's (OIC) 25th session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC). Meanwhile, during a visit to the eastern province of Elazığ on Friday, when reminded of the issue, President Abdullah Gül, the host of the summit and a former foreign minister, underlined that Bashir would not come to Turkey for a bilateral visit. “These are multilateral visits, everyone is visiting [Turkey] as a member of an international organization. Therefore, everyone should see it this way and should act with this understanding,” Gül was quoted as saying by the Anatolia news agency in an apparent reference to the EU’s uneasiness over the expected visit.

Note EU-Digest: there is a saying: "It is by the people you associate with that other people will judge you". Sudanese president Omar Hassan al-Bashir is a convicted criminal by the International Criminal Court in the Hague and when he sets his feet on Turkish soil should be apprehended by Turkish authorities and delivered to the International Criminal Court. "

Good.is: Spain - Hotel in outer space to Open in 2012 - by Tali Catz

2009-11-07T00:43:00.001+01:00

For the complete report from GOOD.Is click on this link

Spain-The opportunity to vacation in space may be right around the corner. A Barcelona-based company, Galactic Suite Ltd, plans to open a multi-billion dollar space resort in 2012.Tourists looking for an adventure that is out of this world will have to plunk down around $4.4 million in order to blast off to the Galactic Suite Space Resort. In addition to three nights in orbit, jet-setters will also take part in an eight-week training course on a Caribbean island.

For the promotional brochure on the hotel in outer space click on this link.

Guardian: Why the west fears China in Africa - by Peter Guest

2009-11-06T23:59:00.000+01:00

for the complete report from the guardian.co.uk clickon this link

The reasons why China invests in Africa have been much discussed, and while there have been some very coherent and nuanced explanations given on these pages and elsewhere, the prevailing sentiment still seems to be one of unbridled fear. Likewise, we are engaged in a post Dead Aid discussion about the efficacy of western aid.There have been valid criticisms of the way that China has invested in Africa, notably in terms of the import of labour in the early days. (Arms, too, but China is far from alone in supplying questionable regimes, to put it mildly). However, to think that China is a monolith is naive. China's models have been in flux since the new wave of investment began at the start of this century and Beijing is surprisingly sensitive to criticism. The rate at which China has evolved domestically is testament to its ability to learn.

The Market Oracle: The Path To Runaway U.S. Inflation - by Ganesh Rathnam

2009-11-06T23:49:00.000+01:00

For the complete report from The Market Oracle click on this link

Common sense tells us that if phenomenon A causes problem B, then B cannot be rectified unless A is first removed. As an adherent of the Austrian School of economics, I can confidently tell you that a sustainable US recovery is not at hand. An upward blip in the GDP reading (itself a flawed measure of material well-being) must not be mistaken for a sustainable recovery, especially when government borrowing is unprecedentedly high and a lot of the input parameters, not the least of which is the GDP deflator, can be fudged. I'll borrow an analogy from Peter Schiff. Imagine if you will a victim at the unfortunate end of a Brock Lesnar knuckle sandwich. The blow has knocked him out cold and the medics try to revive him. The best suggestion they can come up with is to have Lesnar pound the man's head even harder with his fists. When the man has seizures from the repeated pounding, a medic (coincidently named Bernanke) screams gleefully "Hurray, he's moving."

Real output will continue to decline. Declining real output will result in lower real savings. Lower real savings will put pressure on debt repayments and defaults will result. Private defaults will wipe out banks and depositors, and they will also cause the government to default on its debt. The Fed will bail out all the affected parties by creating money. Bailouts cause malinvestments that lower real output, beginning the cycle again. This cannot continue forever: it will eventually result in a runaway-inflationary depression.

Global Post: War weary Europeans test their leaders' resolve - by Mort Rosenblum

2009-11-06T22:12:00.000+01:00

For the complete report from the Global post click on this link

Jean-Pierre Maulny of France’s Institute for International and Strategic Studies (ISIS) was blunt in the daily Le Monde, which last week examined the trend. “Budgets are not up to what is at stake, and Europe is sinking into a formless neutrality,” he said. “We are seeing — this is new — a real trans-Atlantic decoupling.” Europeans spend $520 a year per capita on defense, a third less than Americans. Britain’s budget, the biggest along with France’s, could drop 10 percent in five years. Where Afghanistan is concerned, these cutbacks coincide with a quickly dissipating political will.

A Daily Telegraph/YouGov poll in August found 62 percent of respondents wanted troops to come home. In a separate poll, only 27 percent favored a long deployment. In recent German elections, Chancellor Angela Merkel defeated her Social Democrat opponent, who wants out of the war. She is committed to training Afghan police. But the influential weekly, Der Spiegel, estimated that 70 percent of Germans, like the defeated candidate, want out of a costly, painful and embarrassing quagmire.

Note EU-Digest: when are the politicians going to understand that people like you and me do not want to finance costly wars or be involved in them?

Nation: US economy - Forget Wall Street: Double-Digit Unemployment Is Obama's No. 1 Challenge

2009-11-06T21:54:00.001+01:00

For the complete report from the Nation click on this link

For the first time in more than a quarter century, unemployment in the United States has reached double digits. That's bad economic news for America, which has now been shedding jobs for 22 consecutive months. That's bad social news for the Americans who are out of work, for their families and for their communities, especially when we consider data that tells us 35 percent of jobless men and women have been looking for work for more than six months. And that's bad political news for President Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress, who continue to make the mistake of treating unemployment as an afterthought rather than the most serious issue facing the nation.

Fresh Business Thinking: A different Europe for a new economic era

2009-11-06T21:50:00.000+01:00

For the complete report from the Fresh Business Thinking click on this link

The European Union must re-build its leadership and reshape its core spending and economic policy to strengthen Europe's ability to compete on a global scale, Lord Mandelson said today. He said the EU needed to "get real" about the need for a strong leadership and radical change in order to keep pace with the "G2" - the US and China - including greater strategic support for innovative, high-growth sectors and low-carbon job-creation.

Al-Ahram Weekly: Turkey: We need more Erdogans

2009-11-06T21:42:00.000+01:00

For the complete report from the Al-Ahram Weekly click on this link

Turkey's Ottoman Empire died a quiet death nearly a century ago. But the country continues to enjoy a unique eminence of leadership across the Middle East and in much of the Muslim world. And Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly justified this love and respect for Turkey with his political courage and candour. From the lashing Erdogan gave Israel's Shimon Peres at the World Economic Forum in Davos following the Gaza offensive earlier this year to his call this week demanding UN action on Justice Richard Goldstone's report on that offensive, Turkey continues to show rare leadership. Erdogan's nation stands up for justice and fair play, rather than going along with the shameful double standards that the rest of the world seems to take in its stride. This is remarkable for a country that enjoys close, strategic relations with the United States, is a NATO member and hopes to be the first Muslim country to join the European Union.

More important, Turkey has full diplomatic relations with Israel and is perhaps the only Muslim country with which Israel has close economic and military ties. (So you can't really throw the regular accusation of "anti-Semitism" against Ankara).

Two Circles: EU-India Summit begins in New Delhi - by Pushpranjan

2009-11-06T14:03:00.000+01:00

For the complete report from TwoCircles.net click on this link

Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt whose country holds the current EU Presidency, JoséManuel Barroso-President of the European Commission, Benita Ferrero-Waldner- EU Commissioner for External Relations and EU Commissioner for Trade- Catherine Ashton are attending the summit from the EU side, while Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is leading his country. The one-day summit will discuss various global issues, such as terrorism, climate change, energy security and the global financial crisis. The main focus of the summit is to have an agreement in the field of civil nuclear that will facilitate joint research in fusion energy.

Guardian: Iran tested advanced nuclear warhead design says secret report

2009-11-06T13:52:00.000+01:00

For the complete report from The Guardian click on this link

The UN's nuclear watchdog has asked Iran to explain evidence suggesting that Iranian scientists have experimented with an advanced nuclear warhead design, the Guardian has learned. The very existence of the technology, known as a "two-point implosion" device, is officially secret in both the US and Britain, but according to previously unpublished documentation in a dossier compiled by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iranian scientists may have tested high-explosive components of the design. The development was today described by nuclear experts as "breathtaking" and has added urgency to the effort to find a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis.

Berlin: U2, Beyonce, Eminem win MTV awards

2009-11-06T13:17:00.002+01:00

Beyonce sweeps 2009 MTV Europe Awards

EU-Digest

The Irish band U2 won the Best Live Act prize on Thursday night at the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards, after playing a sold-out free concert at Berlin's dramatic Brandenburg Gate setting to mark the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, as part of the awards' return to the German capital for the first time in 15 years. The other winners were Beyonce (Best Female), whose Single Ladies won Best Video and Halo took the prize for Best Song; Eminem (Best Male); Tokio Hotel (Best Group); Green Day (Best Rock Band); maNga (Best European Act); Lady Gaga (Best New Act); Jay-Z (Best Urban); Placebo (Best Alternative); Linkin Park (Best World Stage Performance); Pixie Lott (Best Push Artist).

Beyonce put her stamp on the MTV Europe Music Awards. The multi-award winning and talented songstress added three more to her collection after winning Best Female, Best Song for "Halo," and Best Video for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" at the awards show in Berlin on Thursday. The singer, is married to rap superstar Jay-Z.

AFP: EU agrees on Internet, telecoms user rights

2009-11-06T13:06:00.000+01:00

For the complete report from AFP click on this link

The European parliament and EU nations have agreed new rules to improve the rights to European mobile phone and Internet users, and offer more protection against illegal Internet porn and copyright abuse. EU Telecoms Commissioner Viviane Reding announced the compromise deal, reached late Thursday, after European governments agreed to EU parliament demands to balance a crackdown on illegal downloaders with broader rights for Internet users. Following a "strong request" from the parliament, and after lengthy negotiations, the future rules state that any national measures regarding restrictions to access to Internet services and applications must be "appropriate, proportionate and necessary within a democratic society."

Reding welcomed the deal as "good news for Europe's citizens."

Times Online: EU presidency dominates 20th anniversary of fall of Berlin Wall - by David Charter

2009-11-05T23:57:00.000+01:00

For the complete report from Times Online click on this link

Tony Blair’s dream of becoming Europe’s first president is set to be decided amid celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Every EU leader will be in the German capital on Monday to commemorate one of Europe’s defining moments but the next phase of the European project is likely to be foremost in their minds.

It will be the first chance for Fredrik Reinfeldt, the Swedish Prime Minister, who is in charge of drawing up a shortlist for the job of president of the European Council, to canvass opinion since the Czechs became the final country to sign the Treaty of Lisbon.

EU-Digest/UP Asia.com: India's telecom agency raises China spy scare

2009-11-05T17:02:00.003+01:00

For the complete report from upiasia.com click on this link

Given India’s longstanding paranoia over China’s spying abilities, based on its technological prowess, it is no surprise that the government has raised the “red scare” yet again. The Department of Telecommunications has requested domestic telecom companies to refrain from buying Chinese telecom equipment. The renewed security concerns come as India’s telecom industry is on the verge of another expansion. The restrictions on access to cutting-edge yet cheap technology could blunt Indian telecom companies’ competitive edge, say industry sources. The request was conveyed to telecom players in a closed-door meeting, in which players were asked to “self regulate” the use of Chinese equipment in 21 of the 29 Indian states. Notably, Chinese telecom gear can still be used in New Delhi and Karnataka, considered India’s Silicon Valley.

Note EU-Digest: Call the Indian actions paranoia or not, in the US and Europe China is practically given free access to Western technology and a free hand at buying into technically advanced corporations, giving them the opportunity to circumvent the research stage ( and cost) of advanced Western technology. Large numbers of Chinese students and highly skilled professional are also given "fast track" work permits and visas in the US and Europe enabling them to study and work in high-tech and financially sensitive industries without the proper screening of these individuals. China does not provide similar courtesies to their Western counterparts. The West by default has always been pretty unscrupulous when it comes to making money, even if we call it "free trade", but we don't need to give our major competitors a rope so they can eventually hang us, just so we can make some money on the short term ?

WSJ: U.S. and EU File Case Over China's Tariffs - by John W. Miller

2009-11-05T16:36:00.000+01:00

For the complete report from the WSJ.com click on this link

U.S. and EU File Case Over China's Tariffs - by John W. Miller

The U.S. and the European Union filed a formal complaint at the World Trade Organization over China's steep export tariffs on strategic raw materials, further ratcheting up pressure on China's trade policies. At issue are levies and quotas China imposed two years ago during the commodity boom, as part of an attempt, only marginally successful, to stem the rising flow of key industrial minerals from the country. It is the latest volley amid rising trade tensions among the world's three major trading blocs, as President Barack Obama prepares for a visit to China this month. This year, the WTO has ruled against Chinese restrictions on distribution of Western music and movies; against the EU over subsidies for commercial aircraft; and received a Chinese complaint over EU anti-dumping measures.

Guardian.uk: David Cameron ditches referendum and backs away from EU 'bust-up' - by Nicolas Watt

2009-11-05T02:24:00.001+01:00

For the complete report from The Guardian click on this link

David Cameron today backed away from a full-scale confrontation with the EU when he outlined a six-point package of reforms but adopted a conciliatory tone by saying he wanted to avoid a "bust-up" with Britain's European partners. In his most significant statement on the EU since becoming Conservative leader, triggered this week by the final ratification of the Lisbon treaty, Cameron finally abandoned his pledge to hold a referendum on the measure in Britain. Flanked by the most senior members of the shadow cabinet, Cameron said he would instead demand six changes to ensure that powers are "never again" ceded by Britain to the EU without the agreement of the British people.

Note EU-Digest: Mr.Cameron had come under considerable attack for his earlier negative statements on the EU not only from members of his own party,but also from EU officials and even members of the US political establishment when he recently visited the US.

Almere World Trade Center: "Reinventing European Growth" - a Ernst & Young presentation confirms Europe still the best place to invest

2009-11-04T23:49:00.010+01:00

EU-Digest

In an interesting and animated presentation by Ernst & Young at the World Trade Center in Almere, the audience heard that based on information collected by this Global Accounting and Consulting firm Europe's future growth will probably spring from the knowledge and intelligence assembled in its large cities. Urban development is showing to be a powerful global growth trend based on the fact that world's cities are adding 200,000 citizens a year, and that by 2030, 60 or 80% of the world's population will be urban. Cities are increasingly where wealth creation and origination of products and services is happening. Already, 75% of global added-value is produced in cities and their inhabitants generate 9 out of 10 innovations.

Looking at the big picture Ernst and Young says Europe is considered - by risk-averse investors - to be the most attractive business location today, and ranks ahead of China in its perceived ability to overcome the economic crisis. Business decision-makers however believe the post-crisis world will also see the eastward shift continue. For the long term a total of 74% of the Ernst and Young respondents said they are very confident, or at least fairly confident in Western Europe's ability to tackle the financial and economic meltdown. It is apparent now that Europe's advanced regime of "flexicurity" can be viewed as having been an advantage; cushioning the downturn and drop in demand, by keeping more people at work, avoiding home foreclosures, and providing social security payments to the jobless.

Overall, the future outlook for Europe, based on the Ernst & Young survey is looking good. The report also indicates that in the coming three years the ranking of the economic players on the world scene will change, with the six most attractive investment regions being: 1.Central and Eastern Europe 2.China 3.India 4.Russia 5.Western Europe and 6.Brazil.

For a copy of the Ernst and Young report click on this link.

Telegraph: Romania: beauty and the beast - by Adrian Bridge

2009-11-04T23:43:00.000+01:00

For the complete report from the Telegraph click on this link

Inspired by the grandiose architecture of North Korea, Ceausescu decided in the Eighties to refashion Bucharest completely by building a vast “civic centre” district dominated by the “Palace of the People”, at the head of the “Boulevard to the Victory of Socialism” to be modelled on (but slightly longer than) the Champs-Elysées. To do so he ordered the demolition of a quarter of the city’s historic center. It was brutal, monumental architecture taken to the extreme and was a huge drain on the country’s resources and manpower (more than 1,000 people died during construction).

ABC: US elections - Maine Gay Marriage Law Repealed - by Devin Dwyer

2009-11-04T15:51:00.000+01:00

For the complete report from ABC News click on this link

The US tide of extending marriage rights to same-sex couples -- which has swept across the states of New England in recent months -- has stopped at Maine. Voters rejected a state law Tuesday that would have allowed same-sex couples to wed. The repeal comes just six months after the measure was passed by the Maine legislature and signed by the Democratic Gov. John Baldacci. The state of Maine would have been the sixth state in the country to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry, but instead becomes the 31st state to oppose the unions in a popular vote. With 87 percent of precincts reporting as of 2 a.m. today, gay marriage opponents in Maine claimed 53 percent of the vote to supporters' 47 percent.