QUES: Most of the alleged spammers engaged in fraudulent or deceptive practices , said Brad Smith , Microsoft 's senior VP and general counsel .

" Spam knows no borders , " said Brad Smith , Microsoft 's senior vice-president and general counsel .

The sentences above mean the same or not?
****
ANS: no

QUES: The 244th Engineer Battalion has been clearing rubble , building playgrounds and restoring irrigation in Iraq , the military said .

The battalion has been clearing rubble , building playgrounds and restoring irrigation in Iraq , military officials told The Associated Press .

The sentences above mean the same or not?
****
ANS: yes

QUES: Singapore is already the United States ' 12th-largest trading partner , with two-way trade totaling more than $ 34 billion .

Although a small city-state , Singapore is the 12th-largest trading partner of the United States , with trade volume of $ 33.4 billion last year .

The sentences above mean the same or not?
****
ANS:
yes