11.   The lira fell sharply against the German mark and dollar.

12.   The lira fell to a record low against the German mark and lost ground against other currencies.

13.   The lira fell to a record low against the mark on Thursday.

14.   Uncertainty over the makeup of the next government sent the stock index crashing and the Turkish lira fell sharply against the dollar.

15.   In London, Hawkins predicted that the lira would fall later in the day as Italian legislative elections that will take place on Sunday draw near.

16.   Among many holidaymakers trapped by the surprise strike are foreigners who are visiting Italy in large numbers this summer because the lira has fallen sharply in value.

17.   Cocks said that it was difficult to foresee how far the lira might fall but many people had large quantities of lire available for sale.

18.   Dealers said that continuation of the crisis, and remarks by the governor of the Bank of Italy, Antonio Fazio, had caused the lira to fall.

19.   Dini said that the lira had fallen sharply because of political tension in Italy and not because inflationary pressures had emerged recently.

20.   Observers noted that the lira has fallen sharply in recent months, making Italian products highly competitive abroad.