11.   Debate on the nomination is scheduled to open Friday, following closed-door negotiations between Kiriyenko and top Communist legislators.

12.   It followed protracted negotiations with the Japanese companies to settle the charges, the Journal of Commerce said.

13.   Lott has been following the negotiations for months and has said he wants to see an agreement win congressional approval.

14.   Local officials said the battle followed failed negotiations to persuade a group of tribesmen to hand over a group of Qaida suspects.

15.   Mexico signed an agreement with Germany to encourage and protect bilateral investments, following negotiations with German government officials.

16.   The agreement followed difficult negotiations with U.S. Jewish groups and class-action lawyers, who have filed lawsuits against scores of German companies and financial institutions.

17.   The announcement follows strained negotiations between the company and the UAW.

18.   The breakthrough followed intense negotiations with the isolated communist government in Pyongyang.

19.   The deal closed quickly, following all-night negotiations Wednesday between agent Jim Steiner and Bucs general manager Rich McKay.

20.   The interrogations by police followed lengthy negotiations with the Ramseys, both of whom hired lawyers soon after the murder was discovered.