"It is a stark fact that 90% of our library visitors use only half of our libraries, " he said.

BBC: Warwickshire libraries 'good for communities'

When the G20 finance ministers gather in Paris they face a stark fact: that nearly a year and a half since Greece received its first bailout, the crisis remains unresolved.

BBC: Eurozone debt crisis: Greece's wild card

It is a stark reminder of the fact that, while Mali may be grappling with international threats, the roots of much of the current turmoil here are home-grown, and highly complex.

BBC: Mali crisis: Relief in Diabaly as French forces roll in

"Whilst I am glad to see that the executive has at last woken up to the problem and is now talking about a review, the stark fact is the executive has been ignoring warnings and has presided over the unacceptable level of drug abuse in Scotland, " she said.

BBC: Last Updated: Monday, 6 March 2006, 15:46 GMT

The fact that there are such stark contrasts behind this decision points to a greater conundrum.

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