21.   While speculation about surrender negotiations in Afghanistan has been raised in the past with no apparent progress, US officials hope these discussions will lead to a breakthrough.

22.   A Wall Street Journal reports Friday that the discussions could lead to a bid for a controlling interest in Asia Global Crossing Ltd. HONG KONG-GLOBAL CROSSING.

23.   But he rejected any suggestion that these discussions would ultimately lead to a legally binding treaty.

24.   But wherever he goes, the discussion always leads back to cricket, and the state of the West Indies team.

25.   Cinven said they plan to say they can give no guarantee that the discussions will lead to a sale.

26.   Dehaene said a discussion need not lead to confrontation.

27.   Discussions with boatbuilders led Carter to Stevens, whose shop works only in wood and focuses more on repairs than on new construction.

28.   He said messengers who returned Thursday reported they were hopeful discussions would lead to the release of the hostages Friday.

29.   He hopes that the discussions will lead, ultimately, to a broader conference by the United Nations.

30.   Kyodo quoted an unnamed senior Foreign Ministry official as saying he doubted the discussion Saturday would lead to resumption of formal talks on normalization.