21.   The Vodafone-Mannesmann deal raised interest in telecoms shares across Europe.

22.   Tokyo stocks ended a three day winning streak Monday as telecom shares slumped and investors awaited major economic and political events slated for later this week.

23.   Traders noted that weakness in European telecom shares sparked selling among local telecom shares, and a debt crisis in Argentina further fueled the gloom.

24.   European telecom shares were overtaken on Friday yet again by concerns over debt, exceptional charges and profit prospects, as share prices headed south towards record low points.

25.   Other leading European telecom shares were also squeezed.

26.   Telecom shares were battered by a weak outlook.