1.   The release of all civilian detainees and prisoners of war was agreed at the Paris talks but a number of practical difficulties impeded the process.

2.   The current official view is therefore that mergers are part and parcel of the competitive process, as opposed to restrictive practices which impede that process.

3.   But Qwest is not counting on rivals to miss any chance to raise challenges that could impede the process.

4.   For decades, that process was impeded as much by outsiders as by Africans.

5.   One problem impeding the process may be concern by stronger players over further weakening portfolios by merging with distressed firms.

6.   So we always have discussions, but our good relations does not impede this process.