Wales' record as a site of heavy industry was hit when the Cardiff firm Allied Steel and Wire shut with the lost of more 700 jobs, although it is hoped the Spanish steelmaker Celsa will step in and buy out the plant and perhaps reemploy many of the workers.

BBC: Factory announces 190 job losses

The next step for the Spanish researchers is to develop a system that can work with smartphones.

BBC: Spanish scientists develop more accurate sat-nav system

The comprehensive reform plan announced today by the Spanish authorities is a major step to broaden and deepen structural reforms, building on important achievements made already.

FORBES: Move up http://i.forbesimg.com t Move down

It is believed that when Spain asks the EU for financial assistance, the European Central Bank would then step in to buy Spanish bonds.

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Messi had been relatively subdued after his early brilliance, but he broke the shackles to burst clear and force another excellent save from Almunia as the Spanish giants refused to take a backward step.

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Spanish Interior Minister Mariano Rajoy hailed the move as a "great step forward".

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In the meantime, it turned out that the ECB had to step up to the plate, again, by purchasing Spanish and Italian bonds.

BBC: Central banks and the 'spirit of 2008'

The closely watched Italian and Spanish bond yields declined following the court ruling, which is another step on the path to stabilizing the European Union sovereign debt crisis.

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The group set out a four-step plan to respond to its current difficulties: A review of its Spanish operations, targeting expenditure on its highest return projects, focusing on cash generation and cutting costs.

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