31.   Thailand had been expected to seek billions of dollars in new loans from private Japanese banks, which hold almost half the total bank debt of Thai companies.

32.   The Bush administration is seeking to settle a protracted civil suit seeking billions of dollars in damages against the tobacco industry, government officials said Tuesday.

33.   The crisis later spread to South Korea, which also sought billions in IMF help.

34.   The civil suit contends the tobacco companies misled people about the dangers of smoking over the years and seeks billions in compensation.

35.   The International Monetary Fund said Friday reports that Argentina is seeking billions of dollars in fresh loans to replenish currency reserves and bolster its economy are exaggerated.

36.   The lawsuits are seeking billions more as the liquidators try to make up as much of the difference as they can.

37.   The Justice Department also sued the industry last September, seeking additional billions of dollars to repay federal health-insurance costs.

38.   The Palestinians will be seeking billions of dollars to finance water projects.

39.   They are seeking billions of dollars in damages for alleged violations of consumer protection laws.

40.   Tobacco stocks held their ground Thursday after being slammed in the previous session after the federal government filed a lawsuit seeking billions of dollars in damages from cigarette makers.