1.   The key issue was the precise timing and stage at which the Irish government would enter such talks.

2.   Although trade negotiators entered the talks vowing to fight terrorism with commercial solidarity, ministers repeatedly flirted with failure.

3.   American officials are concerned that South Korea is entering the talks appearing weak, its economy in free-fall while a contentious presidential election is underway.

4.   Among those hesitating to enter formal talks, said Smitch, are ITT Rayonnier, Boise Cascade Corp. and Simpson Timber.

5.   And he is reluctant to give up too much land before entering talks on the final boundaries of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, the officials say.

6.   Before entering the talks with CoreStates, Bank of Boston also considered a merger offer from Pittsburgh-based Mellon Bank Corp.

7.   Bernard said that Hong Kong Telecom entered the talks expecting to be compensated and wanted to talk about both issues at the same time.

8.   Boeing, meanwhile, enters the talks fighting to transform into a leaner company and to bolster its image in the eyes of investors.

9.   A federal judge has ordered the parties to enter mediation talks, which only began face to face last week.

10.   After three months, both sides are supposed to enter talks on a final settlement of the issues between them, including final borders and the status of Jerusalem.