Oil prices firm on strong U.S. economic data, Libya supply risks
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NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices were up nearly 1 percent on Friday on bullish U.S. employment data that tempered fears about a decline in global crude demand and on expectations that an escalating conflict in Libya could tighten oil supplies.Brent crude futures gained 49 cents to reach $69.89 (53.48 pounds) a barrel by 12:31 p.m. EDT (1631 GMT), having touched $70.03 in the previous session, its highest since Nov. 12.U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed 54 cents to $62.64 a barrel,..