21.   Former Prime Minister Tantely Andrianarivo remained under house arrest Tuesday as plans unraveled for negotiations to end the five-month political standoff that has divided this island nation.

22.   He apologized to the nation for any disturbances that have been caused by the deep political standoff that has been caused by the scandals.

23.   Hopes of a resolution to the political standoff were raised last week when both the government and the opposition agreed to a meeting.

24.   Mrs. Zia resigned as the prime minister last March to end a two-year political standoff with the opposition.

25.   Mrs. Zia resigned in March to end a two-year political standoff with the opposition.

26.   Most independent polls show the party losing in popularity and a political standoff in Zagreb continues to rankle Tudjman.

27.   Opposition and religious leaders warned that unless a solution is found quickly, the political standoff could lead to civil war.

28.   Opposition and religious leaders warned that unless a solution is found quickly, the political standoff could spark civil war.

29.   Opposition and religious leaders warned Tuesday that unless a solution is found quickly, the political standoff could spark civil war.

30.   On Thursday, Mrs. Zia asked opposition lawmakers to meet with the government to try to end the political standoff.