11.   The vote weakened Chernomyrdin just as he announced he would take personal charge of peace negotiations underway in Chechnya with the rebel authorities.

12.   The vote came at a critical time during peace negotiations currently underway at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio between representatives of the warring parties.

13.   Peres said it was necessary for France and Europe to play a role in the peace negotiations underway with Syria and Lebanon.

14.   The market reacted favorably to reports that concessions were being made in the trade negotiations underway in Geneva, said Ed La Varnway, an analyst with First Albany.