1.   Hundreds of Americans are being kidnapped daily in foreign cities, notably in the Mediterranean rim.

2.   But southern capitals keep a wary eye on the Mediterranean rim where countries face poverty and rising Islamic fundamentalism.

3.   But southern capitals keep a wary eye on the Mediterranean rim, where countries face poverty and rising Islamic fundamentalism.

4.   Countries competing are situated on the Mediterranean rim.

5.   They will also state a readiness to shore up political stability and economic development in countries on the Mediterranean rim of North Africa and the Mideast.

6.   Earlier Monday the EU and Tunisia signed the first treaty of association between the EU and a country of the southern Mediterranean rim.

7.   It was the first such treaty of association with a so-called southern Mediterranean rim country.