11.   Adm. Dennis Blair, commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, discussed formation of a Philippine counterterrorism force in a meeting Monday with Mercado, officials said.

12.   Arafat and Mubarak also will discuss formation of a joint committee to improve diplomatic and economic cooperation between Egypt and the Palestinian self-rule areas, Moussa said.

13.   Bar-Illan said Netanyahu and Barak meet from time to time, but that no meeting was planned to discuss formation of a national unity government.

14.   Commerce ministers from seven South Asian nations will meet in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka this week to discuss the formation of a regional trade block, officials said Monday.

15.   Former foes discuss formation of compromise government.

16.   In recent days, elderly Swedes have discussed possible formation of their own politcal party to press their causes.

17.   In Peshawar, Pakistan, representatives of Afghan tribes began a two-day meeting to discuss formation of a broad-based government to replace the Taliban.

18.   In the wake of the announced democratic transition, politicians from across the country have been gathering since Wednesday to discuss the formation of new parties.

19.   King Albert met with leading politicians Tuesday to discuss the formation of a new government after weekend elections left the ruling Christian Democrats and main opposition Socialists in taters.

20.   Last week, he switched to a more conciliatory approach and invited the legislative leaders to the Kremlin to discuss formation of a new Cabinet.