1.   As the Kosovo peace talks neared a fever pitch Friday, the Clinton administration seemed resigned to not having a peace settlement by the deadline of noon Saturday.

2.   Others suggested the talks are nearing collapse.

3.   State budget talks neared conclusion Friday, with the areas of serious dispute narrowed to prison construction and workfare rules.

4.   Still, many analysts had predicted that rebel attacks and sabotage would increase as the date for peace talks nears.

5.   As the talks near their expected May deadline, extremists on both sides of the divide have increased their sectarian attacks in hopes of wrecking the paramilitary truces.

6.   He said both Finland and Austria had formally offered to provide facilities if the talks neared agreement.

7.   North Korea has recalled two negotiators, raising questions whether its nuclear talks with the United States may be nearing a breakdown.

8.   Talks were nearing collapse.

9.   The talks were nearing conclusion amid growing signs that a first direct meeting between Netanyahu and Arafat will take place this week.