11.   China also agreed to join talks to ban production of fissile material for bomb-making.

12.   Ernest W. Dubester, chairman of the National Mediation Board, joined the talks to prod the two sides to resolve their dispute.

13.   He also promised that Sinn Fein could join the talks six weeks after an IRA cease-fire begins.

14.   He also said Boston University might be invited to join the talks.

15.   He asked Bud Selig, the acting commissioner, to come to Washington to join the talks.

16.   He expressed some optimism that North Korea might join peace talks, but warned that the situation remains volatile.

17.   He said the chancellor had invited City Hall officials to join the talks.

18.   He said he was prepared to suggest that Jerry Reinsdorf of the Chicago White Sox join the talks.

19.   House Democratic leader Dick Gephardt of Missouri, who was snowed in at home yesterday, is expected to join the talks today.

20.   Hume said the domestic political woes of Prime Minister John Major and his ruling Conservatives prevented the government from moving more quickly to join peace talks.