21.   Trade unions are among the most vocal opponents of the proposed pact.

22.   United Nations member states met in February to discuss a proposed pact to ban antipersonnel mines.

23.   Branson insists that the proposed pact would reduce competition over the Atlantic and boost fares.

24.   But incoming Bush administration officials say the proposed pact lacked sufficient verification guarantees.

25.   De Silguy said that the ideas contained in the proposed pact were worthy of consideration.

26.   Union chiefs representing American Airlines pilots huddled in a suburban Chicago hotel Thursday to decide whether to endorse a proposed pact to end a bitter labor feud with management.

27.   Qian replied that Beijing had actively taken part in negotiations for the treaty in hopes that the proposed pact will be signed by the end of this year.