41.   He said the mass layoffs were also necessary because there were too many people in the industry before the crisis hit the country.

42.   Hopes of an economic turnaround have evaporated since the country was hit by the global crisis in developing markets.

43.   However, there are worries that the meltdown in Indonesia would result in the crisis circling back and hitting the country again.

44.   Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has warned that the United States may use the attacks as an excuse to hit his country.

45.   It expects similar countries to be hit again this year.

46.   Klaus added that the controversial donation would be sent to a relief fund for victims of catastrophic floods that hit the country last summer.

47.   Last November a wave of anti-American sentiment hit the country and the U.S. embassy reported receiving terrorism threats.

48.   Local companies were severely hit by high interest rates and weaker peso after the regional currency crisis hit the country.

49.   Local businessmen in southern Philippines closed their shops on Monday in the first mass protest after the financial crisis hit the country.

50.   Mahathir said he had wanted to retire this year before the country was hit by the economic and leadership crisis.