21.   Israeli negotiator Gilead Sher arrived in Washington to compare notes with US officials on where matters stood in the negotiations.

22.   That is how matters stood before the meeting at the White House on Wednesday afternoon.

23.   The way the matter stands now, he said, is that the government might study the possibility of legislation.

24.   There matters stand as the case speeds toward trial on an expedited basis in Wilmington next week.

25.   There matters stood as the trial opened on Monday in Wilmington.

26.   There matters stand.

27.   Where does the matter stand now?

28.   As matters stand now, it is very difficult for an Indonesian importer to do business.

29.   As matters stand now, the advent of the Koizumi government cannot be viewed in a favorable light.

30.   As matters stand, he said local shares are still near overbought levels and could still support some profit-taking.