However the market wasn't convinced, particularly as the acquisition would have given the French company a foothold in none of the markets in which it has so far expressed an interest, notably Africa and South East Asia.
In the past, the French have argued that they are overstretched by commitments elsewhere, notably in Africa.
Emeralds are mined around the world, notably in Africa and South America, but the best stones come from Colombia.
But some countries, notably in Africa and the Middle East, have chosen not to take part in that process, and misery there has increased.
"Another thing was probably that President Bozize was starting to pursue alliances with other countries, notably South Africa - and that this was seen a compromising somewhat his relationship with Deby, " she said.
Vodacom stuck to south and central Africa, notably targeting literate but poor Tanzanians fond of text-messages and expanding in Mozambique.
Others are active in hotel, road and other big construction, notably in Botswana and South Africa.
ECONOMIST: Booming Chinese interest in Africa is not just about oil
On the backbenches, Mr Brittan spoke out on various issues, notably calling for sanctions against South Africa.
BBC: News | UK Politics | Sir Leon: Britain's old hand in Brussels
She has been lauded for her impassioned reports from the Middle East, Africa and, most notably, the Balkans.
For several oil producers, notably in the Middle East and Africa, a rise in the oil price could help.
The Director-General also invited the Minister to envisage establishing a Funds-in-Trust in UNESCO that could help support shared priorities of the Organization and of Russia, notably in the area of sciences in Africa considering Russia's expertise and excellence in this field.
Senegal, in West Africa, is one of the countries where they've settled, notably in one area of the capital, Dakar.
应用推荐