11.   Syrian-Israeli peace negotiations are stalled and a confrontation would dim the chances of achieving a settlement.

12.   Ten miners remain missing and are believed dead, as mine officials say the continuing blaze and soaring temperatures have dimmed any chance for survival.

13.   The heavy fighting in recent days has dimmed chances of a diplomatic settlement of the Kosovo conflict.

14.   The new WTO chief is meant to be chosen by consensus rather than by a vote, dimming the chances of a speedy decision.

15.   While the glare of public attention seems to have dimmed chances that the clause inviting police scrutiny will survive, other controversial measures remain.

16.   The self-exiled leader of the Philippine communist insurgent movement Tuesday insisted on stringent conditions for resuming peace talks with the government, dimming chances of new negotiations.

17.   The dollar rose Friday on the Tokyo market on the heels of disappointing economic figures released in Japan, which dimmed chances of increased interest rates.