Brussels, 04/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - In 2007, the European Investment Bank (EIB) increased its funding in the nine southern Mediterranean rim countries, including Syria, which has yet to sign an association agreement with the EU. Total financing rose from €1.2 billion in 2006 to €1.4 billion last year. 2007 was one of the best periods for the Bank, said its Vice President Philippe de Fontaine Vive. The increase coincided with a rise in loans to the private sector (68% in 2007, from 30%...