71.   The announcement came as the government turned down a last-minute request by congressmen to delay a decision, while an investigation could be started.

72.   The announcement came as iXL reported that its second-quarter loss nearly doubled from the year-ago period.

73.   The announcement came as Texas election officials certified Perot for a spot on the November ballot as an independent candidate.

74.   The announcement came as the Taliban said it had repulsed the first coordinated assault by U.S. warplanes and rebel forces on the ground.

75.   The approach came as Abbey National was working out details of a merger with the Bank of Scotland.

76.   The attack came as the authorities were seeking to improve security at token booths during shift changes, a time when robberies often occur.

77.   The attack came as hawkish Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ariel Sharon tries to form a coalition government and take office.

78.   The attacks came as the Bosnian government forces pressed an offensive on the outskirts of Sarajevo to open routes into the city.

79.   The blast came as Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was meeting with President Bush in Washington.

80.   The Boeing offer came as U.S. President Bill Clinton stepped up contacts with European leaders in an effort to head off a transatlantic trade confrontation.