11.   The French argued that they could do little else because Algerian officials would reject even the slightest suggestion of outside interference.

12.   The talks began late in August, Algerian officials said Thursday.

13.   A European Union fact-finding mission is in Algeria to hold talks with Algerian officials on the recent violence.

14.   A top U.S. State Department official held meetings Saturday with senior Algerian officials on bilateral relations, the Middle East peace process and Iraq.

15.   Algerian officials declined to comment.

16.   Algerian officials said one of the hijackers was a member of the Armed Islamic Group, the most radical Muslim extremist faction in Algeria.

17.   Algerian officials, who have not commented on the offensive, did not confirm the report.

18.   Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the current head of the Organization for African Unity, has appointed three Algerian officials to help resolve conflicts across the African continent.

19.   Algerian officials contend the violence is the fault of the militants, especially the most violent faction, the Armed Islamic Group.

20.   Algerian officials requested an increase in the number of air flights between the two countries to facilitate the transfer of Algerian patients to Jordan, the statement said.