31.   Iraqis on Tuesday began a seventh year under international sanctions with their hopes dwindling of a UN oil-for-food deal to ease the embargo.

32.   The United States and Britain lead the opposition to an easing of the sanctions along with Britain.

33.   Japan has indicated that it could agree to joint sanctions with the United States and others outside the Security Council if China uses its veto to block sanctions.

34.   Kantor reviewed possible plans for trade sanctions with National Economic Council chairwoman Laura Tyson and Commerce Secretary Ron Brown.

35.   Rolf Ekeus, head of the UN Special Commission on Iraqi disarmament, will discuss sanctions with officials in Bagdad next week, the Security Council announced Wednesday.

36.   South Korea, meanwhile, warned it would discuss steps for sanctions with the international community if North Korea continued to defy the IAEA.

37.   The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to tighten sanctions on Iran and Libya, setting the stage for a new showdown over unilateral sanctions with US allies.

38.   The House of Representatives voted without dissent Wednesday to tighten sanctions on Iran and Libya, setting the stage for a new showdown over unilateral sanctions with US allies.