11.   But Akhmadov said Wednesday he opposed a resumption of negotiations with the Russians.

12.   Foreign Minister Kasem Samosorn Kasemsri also stated on several occasions that Thailand opposed the resumption of nuclear testing, Somsak said.

13.   The announcement could be made before a visit starting Thursday by Chirac to the United States, which has opposed the resumption of French tests.

14.   The Japanese petition is part of a worldwide Greenpeace project expected to bring in more than three million signatures opposing the resumption of nuclear testing, the statement said.