21.   THE Budget did not do enough to stimulate the battered Hong Kong economy or allay the suffering of dollar-pinched families, a leading politician said on Sunday.

22.   This year he ordered his government to take a tougher line with the opposition, saying politicians and the media should be held responsible for their statements.

23.   He said politicians and decision-makers want to see something that is achievable within a shorter time.

24.   One Frenchman, identified by CNN as Michel Olivier, blamed both French and American authorities, saying politicians were milking the tragedy for the media exposure.

25.   Sri Lanka is headed for more bloodshed after Tamil Tiger guerrillas rejected foreign mediated talks and security forces prepared a new showdown, Tamil politicians said Thursday.