Turkey's prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has just been warmly received in the Iranian capital, Tehran, a reflection of the realpolitik that has kept links open despite the Islamic Republic's international isolation.

ECONOMIST: Turkey and the Middle East

He said that foreign direct investment had been "largely buoyant" in the Republic "despite the recession".

BBC: Cut in corporation tax 'could cost NI ?280m', PwC says

Despite being an oil-producing republic, it was extremely poor.

ECONOMIST: The testimony of a murdered human-rights campaigner

He has not divorced his wife and says he has no intention of doing so, despite divorce being made available in the Irish republic in recent years.

BBC: Profile: Irish election contenders

And despite more high-profile names such as the Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni being linked with the position, Celtic chairman John Reid insisted there was never anyone else in the frame.

BBC: New manager Neil Lennon wants Celtic 'to go to war'

Other countries, such as the Czech Republic, have put a priority on deficit reduction and balanced budgeting despite persistent economic weakness.

FORBES: How Austerity Is Failing in Eastern Europe In One Chart

Despite fits and starts in the peace process, the insurgency in the Central African Republic remains an active and real threat to the government of President Francois Bozize.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The tiny West African republic of The Gambia has not suffered any significant Y2K problems so far, despite predictions that it was in line for serious disruption.

BBC: Gambia weathers Y2K risk

Stepanek and Berdych's triumph came on the back of singles victories for the pair on Friday when the Czech Republic opened up a 2-0 first-day lead in the semi-final, despite Ivo Karlovic firing a record 78 aces.

BBC: Spain and Czechs through to final