11.   Mr Cheung dismissed police explanations that no action could immediately be taken because the door in question was not a designated fire door.

12.   Scientists dismissed that explanation, saying the milk offered trickled down the granite or marble idols in a thin film that was not easily visible.

13.   The judge dismissed the explanation as frivolous and said Abiola must be brought to court on Friday.

14.   Ukrainian and Russian officials initially dismissed that explanation, but both have gradually come closer to accepting it.

15.   The MQM has dismissed the explanation and said his body bore signs of excessive torture.