In a trading update the group said "after a year of strong growth in 2012, the economic environment we will be facing in 2013 is particularly uncertain in many of our markets and it is difficult at this stage to provide a definitive view of the likely pattern of trading in 2013".

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"The broader macroeconomic impact will clearly be substantial but the details are difficult to assess at this early stage, " the IMF said.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Tsunami slows Sri Lanka's growth

"At this stage then it becomes acutely difficult, if not quite impossible, to set a budget and precept which is acceptable without causing a severe level of disappointment within the police service, difficulties amongst our partners and anger from the public that we exist to serve, " Mr Michael said.

BBC: Alun Michael

It is the best move I could have made at this stage in my career, especially after going through a difficult year.

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As the phenomenon of large-scale foreign land acquisitions is very recent, it is difficult to assess their full environmental and social impact at this early stage.

UNESCO: Madiodio Niasse on the risks associated with large-scale foreign land aquisitions | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

At this stage we are just going in hoping for the best but it is difficult to say if we can do better than we did in 1999.

BBC: Sackey says Ghana's build up has been poor

"At this stage, their management must be focused on those tasks, not trying to marry some difficult Canadian bride, " Whittington added.

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