41.   European stock markets closed lower Thursday, as the financial and oil sectors lost ground.

42.   European stock markets finished higher Friday, after a slight improvement in telecommunications shares outweighed weakness in the oil sector.

43.   European stock markets closed slightly lower Monday, with telecommunications improving but the oil sector having problems.

44.   France maintains strong economic ties with the southwest African country, mainly in the oil sector through Elf Aquitaine and Total.

45.   Gamboa said the deregulation of the oil sector enabled oil companies to raise prices gradually.

46.   However, the oil sector has paid a heavy price.

47.   However, the oil sector in this South Asian nation is dominated by state-run companies.

48.   In the oil sector, the government will also reduce its stake in Bangchak Petroleum with a plan to begin in June this year.

49.   In the meantime, there is some merger activity Monday, with Valero agreeing to buy Ultramar Diamond Shamrock in the oil sector.

50.   Indeed, Iraq announced it was suspending oil exports for one month, which explained why the oil sector was among the few advancers Monday.