31.   Most of the trade deficit came from capital imports by joint ventures, which the government hopes will eventually boost exports of manufactured products.

32.   The agreement is considered key to the success of an economic plan the government hopes will help end a crippling crisis and attract billions of dollars in financial aid.

33.   The agreement is considered key to the success of an economic program the government hopes will help attract billions of dollars in financial aid and end a crippling crisis.

34.   The agreement is considered key to the success of an economic plan the government hopes will help attract billions of dollars in financial aid and end a crippling crisis.

35.   The government hopes, and Shevardnadze promises, that this will improve tax collection and allow for an inflation-free raise for state sector employees.

36.   The government hopes the influential body will make policy proposals from a wider economic viewpoint, said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda.

37.   The latest attack has virtually dashed government hopes for a New Year ceasefire in the embattled northeast as a first step towards continuing peace negotiations with the LTTE.