11.   The companies said the accord was approved by their boards and now requires shareholder approval.

12.   The companies said the accord was approved by their boards and requires shareholder approval.

13.   The Constitutionality and Justice Committee approved the accord today.

14.   The federal Environmental Protection Agency, which approved the accord, has criticized the city for reverting to the weaker state standard.

15.   The immediate reaction in Congress was positive, and diplomats said that only a few details remained to be settled before the General Assembly formally approves the accord.

16.   The industry wants Congress to approve the accord to reduce its risk of costly lawsuits, and states want tobacco settlement money to treat sick smokers.

17.   The Parliament has already approved the accords, which are to take effect next year.

18.   The unexpected vote came two days after Domtar Inc. proposed buying the combined forest-products companies if shareholders of both approved the accord.

19.   This would mean that more than a slim majority of Protestants had approved the accord.

20.   U.S. Congress approved the accord last December.