51.   For its part, the government reported that public works starts fell in November for the third straight month as it continued to cut spending to reduce the deficit.

52.   For a few hours on Thursday night, this attention deficit was reduced a bit in a hall near the U.N. complex.

53.   FRENCH bonds fell, tracking German and U.S. bonds lower, as the franc declined amid concern that efforts to reduce public deficits may spark unrest.

54.   French bonds rose on expectation the rise in taxes would help the government reduce its deficit and therefore qualify for the euro.

55.   French officials argued at the FAWP meeting that the payment was a capital transfer, which is permitted under EU accounting rules for the purpose of reducing budget deficits.

56.   Frenkel, who has kept interest rates up to fight inflation, said he would agree to a significant rate cutback after the government reduces the deficit.

57.   For much of his career, Gore has stressed his free-market credentials, his support for high technology, and his track record on reducing the deficit.

58.   French bonds climbed on expectation higher taxes will ensure the government will reduce the deficit helping it qualify for the euro.

59.   Further, they say that such spending is inappropriate when the federal government must cut spending to reduce budget deficits.

60.   Germany and France, the driving forces behind the common currency plan, have struggled to reduce their deficits as record jobless rates sap social security funds.