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Protests intensify in Algeria as aging 82 year old president Bouteflika withdraws his candidacy for a fifth term. 

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Even government ministers line up at ATM's near the parliament building as Greece pulls out of bailout talks with EU finance ministers and calls for a referendum on bailout conditions for July 5, 2015. A decision by Greece on imposing capital controls is expected.

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After attending a prestigious French university, Tidjane Thiam of the Ivory Coast, joined McKinsey & Co., and later worked for the government in Ivory Coast. He returned to business by joining insurer Aviva, and taking the position of CEO at British insurer Prudential PLC. Credit Suisse's board selected Thiam as the new CEO of Credit Suisse in 2015. This was an unconventional choice after the bank settled with the U.S. Justice Department for $2.6 billion, other legal issues facing the bank, and the tighter controls from Swiss regulators. Thiam speaks English, French and German.

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French president Macron speaking on the Dixmude helicopter carrier on the French port base of Toulon- "Our nuclear forces contribute through their own existence to the security of France and Europe," says French president Macron. He said France will assess "all the consequence" and develop "a new security architecture" on the continent after peace returns to Ukraine. France is the only nuclear deterrent power in Europe and nuclear deterrence will continue to be kept "credible and modern." Macron pointed out that "Europe is not sheltered anymore from missile and drone strikes and we must integrate this reality." Macron was unveiling a national strategic review that will show how its defense will look in 2030. France will also budget for "influence" to fight the kind of war used by Russia and Mr. Putin to undermine the thinking and to "manipulate civilian populations." ...

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Closer economic cooperation between the Saudis and China expected after this weeks visit by president Xi to Riyadh. 20 initial agreements worth $29 billion will be signed.

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The lockdowns and war in Ukraine are affecting gasoline and food prices in China. Vegetable prices are up annual 17%, fruit 4% and flour 5%. Gasoline prices are up 25%. Shenzen, Jinlin and Shanghai are in lockdowns.