11.   But Finance Minister Masajuro Shiokawa said the government would not alter its economic policy despite the ratings cut.

12.   The rebel group, led by Spanish priest Manuel Perez, has said it will refrain from attacking oil sites if the government alters its oil policy.

13.   Labour Minister Pochinok said the government had radically altered the text of its bill on alternative conscript service in order to bring it more into line with international norms.