31.   Progress toward peace under hard-line Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has slowed and appeared near collapse several times since Peres and his Labor Party were defeated in elections last year.

32.   A judge dismissed the jury in the case earlier this week as the settlement appeared near.

33.   After a month-long hiatus, the talks resumed last Thursday, but no final agreement appeared near following a week of daily sessions.

34.   Although she appeared near death, she said she was feeling better after using the water.

35.   Another two holes appeared near the grave of Navy Capt. Samuel Adams Lee.

36.   Authorities released him when he appeared near death from tuberculosis contracted in prison.

37.   But only a few dozen police appeared near the field Thursday, and there were no signs of violence in the crowd.

38.   But Rodriguez Saa had enough votes and his appointment as provisional president appeared near certain.

39.   But the end appeared near, and Holyfield sensed it.

40.   But Rodriguez Saa had enough votes and his appointment as provisional president appeared near certain despite the marathon session.