11.   Most of the institutions mentioned have either declined to comment or have rejected speculation that they used inside information.

12.   Southgate repeated earlier claims that EMI Music is not for sale, rejecting press speculation that Burbank, California-based Walt Disney Co. was preparing a bid.

13.   Also on Thursday, chief U.N. weapons inspector Richard Butler rejected speculation that the diplomatic team agreed to by Annan would undermine his authority in the weapons inspection process.

14.   Ambeck-Madsen rejected speculation that Lego had forgotten to develop other products, focusing too much on their original building blocks.

15.   Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor rejected speculation that he was set to resign by reaffirming his desire to stay in charge on Monday.

16.   At a news conference, Hun Sen rejected speculation that he had staged the grenade attack to crack down on opponents.

17.   At first Thaksin rejected the speculation, but later told reporters that whether he joined the party or not depended on the outcome of his discussions with Chavalit.

18.   But Graham also rejected the speculation as rumor.

19.   Chief weapons inspector Richard Butler rejected speculation that his authority would be undermined by the deal, which requires diplomats to accompany inspectors on their visits.

20.   Cerbak rejected speculation in the media that Havel in fact was facing a relapse of cancer.