21.   The comments are directly counter to optimistic statements made earlier in the week by negotiators on the OSCE team.

22.   The Mideast peace process has gained momentum over the past week, prompting unusually optimistic statements from all sides.

23.   The optimistic statement promised speedy help in rebuilding the thousands of homes destroyed in the war between independence fighters and Russian forces.

24.   There were some grounds for the optimistic statements issued earlier this year on the prospects for an agreement.

25.   This, coupled with a cautiously optimistic statement from the Fed, has persuaded market watchers that the United States will lead rival economies into any global economic upturn.

26.   Little concrete progress has been achieved despite some gestures and occasionally optimistic statements from Israeli ministers.

27.   The latest talks follow optimistic statements from both sides after a summit on Tuesday between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

28.   The latest discussions follow optimistic statements from both sides after a summit on Tuesday between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

29.   The new rebel statement contradicted optimistic statements earlier this week from President Alberto Fujimori and Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto.