11.   The ministry has denied that Nishimura made any comment about bad timing.

12.   The ministry later denied the report.

13.   The ministry later denied that it has a target level for the mark, though it did say it backs a strong dollar.

14.   The telecommunications ministry denies it promised to make more frequencies available to the phone company, saying it has no more to give.

15.   But a former high-ranking Daiwa official has said top officials ordered the cover-up and acted with the consent of the finance ministry, an allegation the ministry denies.

16.   But the Zairian defense ministry Friday denied that Kindu was anywhere near falling.

17.   But the ministry denied reports that Hong Kong visitors to Thailand had to be screened for bird flu before entering the country.

18.   Earlier the ministry had denied the missile left course.

19.   Even if the premiers refuse, the ministry can still deny individual applications.

20.   Later, his ministry denied making such a request.