61.   Tamil Tiger rebels want the ban on their separatist group lifted by the Sri Lankan government before peace talks in Thailand can begin, rebel radio said Thursday.

62.   Stewart said lawyers could ask for a mistrial because Siddig Ali was negotiating with the government before opening statements.

63.   Stewart said defense lawyers could ask for a mistrial because it appeared that Siddig Ali had been conducting talks aimed at resuming cooperation with the government before last week.

64.   The anti-armor missiles were fired at the headquarters of the Bosnian government just before the arrival of the top U.N. official for former Yugoslavia, Yasushi Akashi.

65.   The council adjoured after three hours, and ambassadors said they needed to consult their governments before a formal response, possibly Monday.

66.   The diplomats said that a clear improvement was necessary on the part of the government before much-needed investment would be recommended.

67.   The Congress resolution contradicts the position of the Clinton administration, and U.S. governments before it, that the future of Jerusalem must be determined in negotiations.

68.   The Duma rejected several bills proposed by the government before recessing for a summer vacation that is expected to last until the end of September.

69.   The governing Liberal Democratic Party and opposition Liberal Party plan to launch a coalition government before the upcoming regular session of Parliament begins next Tuesday.

70.   The offer falls far short of opposition demands that Milosevic step down and allow a transitional government before any elections.