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Mideast turmoil drives boom in Lebanese armoured vehicles by Joelle Bassoul
Tue Feb 20, 1:23 PM ET



BEIRUT (AFP) - Wars, bombings and chronic insecurity in the Middle East are driving a multi-million dollar boom in business for Lebanese companies that specialize in manufacturing armoured vehicles.

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"Between Iraq, Lebanon and Afghanistan, we have excellent business, in the millions of dollars," said the manager of one armoured vehicles company who did not wish to reveal his identity.

The sector's business took a sharp turn for the better after the region went into a period of instability following the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Dozens of armoured vehicles have since been assembled in Lebanon, with prices ranging between 100,000 dollars (76,000 euros) and 200,000 dollars.

And demand is expected to further rise after the twin bus bombings on February 13 which left three people killed northeast of Beirut.

Awad said the Beirut embassy of an Arab country has offered two armoured vehicles to two MPs from a pro-government Christian party, but declined further specifics.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070220/wl_mideast_afp/mideastlebanonsecurity

[VanIslander]