So far, the crisis is viewed as an "internal situation for Algeria, " said the official, who emphasized that Algerian security forces have successfully handled internal threats.

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Africa, by contrast, has enjoyed average real growth of 6% a year for a decade, a savings rate of nearly 25% of GDP, debt measuring less than 25% of GDP, a young and growing population, massive internal investment and a political situation which is more stable than it has been in fifty years.

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In this situation neither exports nor internal demand will provide a spark.

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Last week, the SEC also contacted a Groupon attorney over a different matter, said a person familiar with the situation: a leaked internal memo from Groupon Chief Executive Andrew Mason to his staff, in which he touted the company and blasted its critics.

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So far, however, French officials have been at pains to say little about the situation and, when pressed, have volunteered only that it is an internal matter for Algerians.

ECONOMIST: Algeria