31.   Two tense armed standoffs have been resolved in the past two weeks, even as bombs keep exploding and tanks roll toward expected reprisals.

32.   Up to now, that gritty standoff has been the high point in American qualifying history in Azteca.

33.   We may starve by the time his situation is resolved, but goodness knows nothing else matters until this contentious standoff is resolved.

34.   Whiting said a six-month sentence also was warranted because the standoff was entirely avoidable.

35.   Pakistanis hopeful standoff will be resolved peacefully.

36.   A government negotiator expresses hope that the tense standoff will soon be over.

37.   A leading Peruvian newspaper last week reported that U.S. and Peruvian paratroopers were preparing for a night assault on the residence if the standoff could not be resolved peacefully.

38.   A government negotiator expressed hope that the tense standoff would soon be over.

39.   A leading Peruvian newspaper last week reported that U.S. and Peruvian paratroopers were preparing for an evening assault on the residence if the standoff could not be resolved peacefully.

40.   A rebel spokesman in Mexico also voiced optimism the standoff might be nearing an end.