11.   A Kookmin spokesman denied the speculation, saying only that the bank will look at possible mergers and acquisitions once the government permits these next April.

12.   A group spokesman denied the speculation.

13.   A senior Japanese Finance Ministry official denied the speculation.

14.   A spokesman for Morgan Stanley denied the speculation.

15.   Also, the Defense Department denied speculation that U.S. Navy ships in the Persian Gulf region came under fire.

16.   Business representatives denied speculation the delay occurred because there was no common ground between the two sides, the state news agency Telam reported.

17.   But despite his anger, Tubbs denied speculation that TCU would either go to the NCAAs or nowhere for the postseason.

18.   But he denied speculation that Conde Nast, the publishing company, is interested in the site for a headquarters.

19.   But the speculation was quickly denied, and intensified negotiations that began last fall were unnoticed.

20.   Chargeurs today denied speculation that it would sell its BSkyB stake.