Gaddafi Construction Projects in Marbella Costa del Sol Stopped

The Spanish Government has the first March stopped the construction of the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi construction projects in Marbell on the Costa del Sol. It emerged at the end of February that the Libyan Bank, the Libyan Foreign Bank, which belongs to the Libyan state, owns 6.500 acres of land in Benahavis and that Marbella Town Hall commune had received an application...

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FORMER UN secretary general Kofi Annan is coming to Marbella to talk about wine.

FORMER UN secretary general Kofi Annan is coming to Marbella to talk about wine. The Nobel Prize winner will be the key note speaker at the Third World Conference on Climate Change and Wine, which is being held in Marbella next month for the first time.The main focus of his speech – which will be introduced by Pancho Campo MW, the first Spaniard to hold the title Master of...

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Cabin crew at British Airways have voted overwhelmingly in favour of new strike action.

Cabin crew at British Airways have voted overwhelmingly in favour of new strike action. The vote opens the possibility of strikes over Easter, although union sources have previously played down the prospect of any April walk-out. The ballot was a re-run of an invalid vote held before Christmas. The row began about cost-cutting but now centres on travel concessions taken...

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first of three Moroccan projects commissioned by BMCE (Banque Marocaine du Commerce Exterieur) may be an exception.

We haven’t always loved Foster & Partners developments in the Middle East. Although they are visually spectacular, we often wonder at the true sustainability of buildings that cost millions of dollars to construct. But the first of three Moroccan projects commissioned by BMCE (Banque Marocaine du Commerce Exterieur) may be an exception. Albeit no quaint mom-and-pop straw...

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Eversheds is adding Morocco to its expanding international network through a cooperation agreement that is expected to develop into a Casablanca office in the future.

Eversheds is adding Morocco to its expanding international network through a cooperation agreement that is expected to develop into a Casablanca office in the future.Former Eversheds associate Mohamed Oulkhouir is establishing his own ­practice in Morocco to work in cooperation with the UK firm. Oulkhouir left Eversheds’ Paris office in 2008 to become Tangiers managing partner for Moroccan firm Balms & Cruz.Eversheds Africa co-chair Boris Martor...

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British Airways started new flights to Marrakech from London Gatwick on March 27,

British Airways started new flights to Marrakech from London Gatwick on March 27, 2011 in direct competition with low cost carriers. The airline announced its new flights to Marrakech last November at the World Travel Market at ExCel in London. Richard Tams, head of UK and Ireland sales and marketing, said at the time: "British Airways offers a real alternative to discerning...

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new Cafe Nikki, part of the forthcoming Nikki Beach, which is set in a lush garden overlooking waterfalls with a sprawling outdoor deck

Already open is the new Cafe Nikki, part of the forthcoming Nikki Beach, which is set in a lush garden overlooking waterfalls with a sprawling outdoor deck.  A European-style cafe, it offers 24/7 dining in the trademark Nikki Beach atmosphere, with a menu offering an exquisite blend of American cuisine and flavors inspired by international dishes.  Cafe Nikki features...

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Actress Gwyneth Paltrow says she took help from Robert Downey Jr. to understand her role as an alcoholic

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow says she took help from Robert Downey Jr. to understand her role as an alcoholic singer in new movie 'Country Strong'. 'I actually emailed Robert Downey Jr., who has been sober for a long time, and asked him to explain addiction to me. And he wrote me the most amazing email. And it really helped me understand it,' contactmusic.com quoted her as saying. The...

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O'Brien house in Marbella

The Lowry house at Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, and the O'Brien house in Marbella What the tribunal heard: Michael Lowry received a loan for £147,000 from the late David Austin, paid into an Isle of Man account. Lawyers for Denis O'Brien said that a short time previously he paid Mr Austin £150,000 for a house in Marbella. That money went into a Jersey account and was then...

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nearly five years since James Hewitt left England, The Polo House, which has been open for two years, is a classic colonial-style redoubt. Airy and sumptuous, the restaurant is filled with imported dark wood from the Far East, with polo trophies and pony pictures dotted around .

, following a string of TV programmes and a slew of newspaper stories about his gallivanting.His downfall had all begun after he reportedly solicited £10million for his collection of around 60 perfume-laden missives, which he had received during his affair with the former wife of Prince Charles.The former cavalry officer quickly became one of the UK’s biggest hate figures,...

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Debbie Harry was “absolutely” a drug addict for “a couple of years”.

The Blondie singer has admitted she “tried everything”, including heroin, and at one point in the late 80s was addicted to drugs.When asked if she was a junkie, Debbie replied: “Absolutely. I guess for a couple of years.”She described that period of her life as very difficult, saying: “It was depression… our record company dropped us, our manager walked out, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) walked in. Everything fell apart and I fell apart along...

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Fine art agent, Stephen Howes, presents his most comprehensive and thought provoking exhibition to date, presenting a group of modern artists with a wide range of styles for any kind of taste.

Fine art agent, Stephen Howes, presents his most comprehensive and thought provoking exhibition to date, presenting a group of modern artists with a wide range of styles for any kind of taste. Howes has spent months preparing this exhibition which includes not only acclaimed and sought after artists such as Don Clarke, Christopher Stone and Rowland Fade, but also relative new-comers including Felix Muyo, Marco Bombagh, Nicholas de Lacy-Brown, Johan...

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I am concerned by the ease with which decisions to use force are taken in international affairs. This is becoming a persistent tendency in US policy

The statement from Mr Putin came after Russia abstained from the UN Security Council vote which authorised a no-fly zone over Libya and 'all necessary measures' to protect civilians against Col Gaddafi's forces. Mr Putin, who was speaking to workers at a Russian missile factory, added, "I am concerned by the ease with which decisions to use force are taken in international...

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Charlie Sheen will soon be hitting the road for his one-man show Charlie Sheen LIVE:

Charlie Sheen will soon be hitting the road for his one-man show Charlie Sheen LIVE: My Violent Torpedo of Truth, but could the embattled actor be coming back to the small screen? On Monday, reports surfaced that CBS would consider welcoming Sheen, 45, back on Two and a Half Men – if an agreement with all the warring parties, including Sheen, Warner Bros. and show creator...

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The man claiming that one of JK Rowling's Harry Potter books was lifted from another work has been ordered to pay more than £1.5 million into court as security for the costs of the author and her publisher

The man claiming that one of JK Rowling's Harry Potter books was lifted from another work has been ordered to pay more than £1.5 million into court as security for the costs of the author and her publisher - or the case will be struck out. The order was made by Mr Justice Kitchin at a hearing in the Chancery Division of the High Court. The claim has been brought by Paul...

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Katie is and will always b the love of my life

The model agreed to a dinner date with one of Khan’s entourage, Saj Mohamed, the boxing champ claimed on Twitter. And the new couple planned to go public, added Khan, 24, who tweeted: ‘Saj admitted they had a lengthy convo and it turns out in the nxt few days they announcing somat.’ Mohamed himself then wrote: ‘Katie is and will always b the love of my life.’ A friend of Price’s later dismissed the talk as ‘lads’ banter’. It followed tension between...

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La Zagaleta is home, or at least part-time hideaway, to about 200 business families, celebrities and assorted millionaires

La Zagaleta is home, or at least part-time hideaway, to about 200 business families, celebrities and assorted millionaires. Remaining plot prices start at about €2.2m, or €440 a square metre, while the most expensive of the estate’s palatial homes can still fetch in excess of €10m. Despite its geography La Zagaleta is light years from the thousands of empty, identikit villas...

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Former world champion Ricky Hatton says he is enjoying life as a promoter,

Former world champion Ricky Hatton says he is enjoying life as a promoter, although he admits to still dreaming of a return to the ring. The 32-year-old has not fought since being knocked out by Manny Pacquiao almost two years ago and does not have any immediate plans to get back into training. He is currently running Hatton Promotions and is busy with preparations for Amir...

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17 euro-zone countries have made the direction in which they are heading very clear

Sooner or later, the euro-zone financial crisis will be over. Greek, Irish, Portuguese and probably Spanish creditors will have neatly trimmed hair, the banks will have had to shore up their inadequate capital, German exporters will continue to cash the profits from the euro their southern partners have obligingly weakened, and the eurocracy will have found other reasons to meet. But Europe will not be the same.It will be changed in two very important...

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“Limitless,” a thriller from Relativity Media LLC about a mind-expanding drug, opened in first place in U.S. and Canadian theaters with sales of $19 million.

“Limitless,” a thriller from Relativity Media LLC about a mind-expanding drug, opened in first place in U.S. and Canadian theaters with sales of $19 million. “Rango,” the Johnny Depp animated comedy, held at second place with $15.3 million in sales for Viacom Inc. (VIA/B)’s Paramount and Nickelodeon divisions, researcher Hollywood.com Box-Office said today. “Battle: Los Angeles,”...

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Spanish police have published a catalog of high value stolen art and precious objects in the hope of reuniting them with their rightful owners.

Spanish police have published a catalog of high value stolen art and precious objects in the hope of reuniting them with their rightful owners. Among items retrieved during raids are works by Pablo Picasso, sculpture, rare archaeological objects, watches, coins and medals. Six Picasso pieces from 1933 entitled "Cardinal Sins" including "Envy" and "Avarice" — each in a silver...

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James Hewitt is to trade upon his increasingly tenuous links to the Royal Family by throwing a Royal Wedding party at his bar in Spain

James Hewitt is to trade upon his increasingly tenuous links to the Royal Family by throwing a Royal Wedding party at his bar in Spain – with himself as ‘guest of honour’.Princess Diana’s former lover has been living in Marbella in exile after his scandalous attempt to sell her letters for £10 million. The ‘comeback cad’, as he’s been dubbed, has cheekily given his approval...

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survey undertaken by the UK Post Office has revealed the current top 5 favourite nations with British expatriates.

survey undertaken by the UK Post Office has revealed the current top 5 favourite nations with British expatriates.  Countries like New Zealand and Canada are conspicuous by their absence, and instead it’s perhaps surprising to see countries like Thailand and America making the grade.The survey reached out to British nationals living abroad to determine whether their new life makes them happy, what they miss most about home, what their current...

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respectability is on sale. You just have to know how to buy it. The place to start is London

leader of an oil-rich bit of the Middle East, say, or a tycoon from a grungy bit of the former Communist world. You wish your family could shop, invest, socialise and study in the richest and nicest parts of the world (and flee there if needs be). But you don’t deserve it and won’t earn it: you will not stop torture, allow criticism, obey the law, or keep your fingers out of the public purse.Luckily, respectability is on sale. You just have to know...

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MJets Executive Chairman, Jaiyavat Navaraj, believes the company’s venture at PIA could put Phuket on the map for private aviators in the region.

MJETS is in talks with Airports of Thailand (AOT) about building a private jet terminal at Phuket International Airport (PIA). The move comes on the back of the success of its first private jet terminal at Don Muang Airport in Bangkok, the company says.MJets Executive Chairman, Jaiyavat Navaraj, believes the company’s venture at PIA could put Phuket on the map for private aviators in the region.Since MJets opened its first terminal at Don Muang,...

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Vincent Tchenguiz bought his 40-metre 12-berth yacht, his choice of name for the vessel was fitting

Vincent Tchenguiz bought his 40-metre 12-berth yacht, his choice of name for the vessel was fitting for a flamboyant property baron who, along with his younger brother, had bedazzled the City during the Noughties with fleet-footed acquisitions that acquired them the status and lifestyle of billionaires: Veni, Vidi, Vici.Yesterday morning, Mr Tchenguiz was given the opportunity to contemplate the wisdom of borrowing Julius Caesar's supposed catchphrase...

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Forbes 2011 ranking of the top 10:

Here is the Forbes 2011 ranking of the top 10:1. Carlos Slim (Mexico) – $74bn, telecommunicationsSlim, 71, first showed business talent as a 10-year-old selling drinks and snacks to his family. After studying engineering, he founded a real estate company and worked as a trader on the Mexican stock exchange. A cigar-smoker, Slim is said to have a "Midas touch" for his ability to acquire struggling firms and turn them into cash-cows.His enormous wealth...

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Vincent is understood to be pressing ahead with the social event of the festival on board his Veni, Vidi, Vici luxury yacht moored in Cannes.

Tchenguiz brothers were today in defiant mood and said Vincent's party this evening at the Mipim property jamboree in Cannes would go ahead, just 24 hours after their shock arrest by the Serious Fraud Office.Vincent and Robbie were questioned by the SF0 yesterday in its investigation into failed Icelandic bank Kaupthing. Vincent is understood to be pressing ahead with the social event of the festival on board his Veni, Vidi, Vici luxury yacht moored...

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Spring is traditionally the busiest season in the property market calendar with activity often shaping the year ahead

Spring is traditionally the busiest season in the property market calendar with activity often shaping the year ahead, say fabricproperty.com Luxury London lifestyle and property portal fabricproperty.com is owned and populated by more than 30 estate agents who specialise in the finest apartments and houses north of the river and believe that the spring market is extremely...

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Bulgari launches its luxury in London. ~ Tuesday, 8th March 2011 from 4Hoteliers

Bulgari launches its luxury in London. ~ Tuesday, 8th March 2011 from 4Hoteliers: "Bulgari is set to open a new luxury boutique hotel in London‟s upmarket Knightsbridge area in spring 2012 in time for the London Olympics. The Bulgari Hotel in London will be the 3rd property launched by the fashion brand, which also has properties in Milan and Bali. Situated in the heart...

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50 luxury London home-owners are inviting people to use their property as an alternative to a hotel.

With a twist on the increasingly popular trend of home-swapping, more than 50 luxury London home-owners are inviting people to use their property as an alternative to a hotel. Under a new business venture called ‘onefinestay’, visitors can gain exclusive use of homes – which have an average value of £1.1 million – with payment based on the pro-rata rental value of the property. Prices...

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Spain has blocked plans by Libyan leader Moamer Gaddafi to build nearly 2,000 luxury flats on complex in Benahavis, in the Malaga province, would also have included a golf course and a congress centre.

Spain has blocked plans by Libyan leader Moamer Gaddafi to build nearly 2,000 luxury flats on a property he owns in the country's southern Costa del Sol region, Foreign Ministry sources said Wednesday. The complex in , in the Malaga province, would also have included a golf course and a congress centre. The project was blocked in order to prevent Gaddafi from profiting from...

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