1.   The fact that the two sides have agreed to hold negotiations is an extremely hopeful sign.

2.   The negotiations will be held on neutral territory.

3.   Authorities have been holding negotiations on the question of compensation since the final report by the Hokkaido Development Bureau.

4.   Bally held acquisition negotiations with ITT before it agreed to be bought by Hilton last year.

5.   Bank of Boston held negotiations with several other banks, including Mellon Bank Corp., before deciding to pursue a merger with Corestates.

6.   Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia are slated to hold peace negotiations next week in New York.

7.   A spokesman for Cherny said the sales have almost been completed, while a Trans-World representative confirmed only that his company is holding negotiations with Sibneft shareholders.

8.   Cuba and the United States have held such negotiations periodically but they have been suspended since last year.

9.   During the campaign, Sharon repeatedly attacked Barak for holding negotiations with the Palestinians while the violence continued.

10.   Edwards and Berlin held intensive negotiations with the federal authorities for several months, a person close to the negotiations said.