1.   Launching a new round of trade liberalisation talks after the failure of the Seattle summit remains a high priority for both sides.

2.   The SDLP had called on the Unionist parties to give a guarantee to continue the talks after the election regardless of its outcome.

3.   The Education Secretary, Kenneth Clarke, has been holding crisis talks after the Lords threw out two Government proposals in the Education Bill.

4.   Urgent talks after flash flood causes chaos.

5.   Arafat, initially cool to the proposal, was expected to give his final answer about attending the talks after a meeting late Friday of the Palestinian cabinet.

6.   Bank of Boston and Corestates entered into merger talks after at least two attempts by Bank of Boston to find a partner failed.

7.   Bass expects more extensive talks after the season, adding that Woodson is interested in a multiyear deal.

8.   Bush suspended talks after taking office last year.

9.   But Seattle-based federal mediator Ben Youtsey said Wednesday he saw no reason to schedule new talks after talking with negotiators.