21.   The Palestinians, who voiced unusual optimism late last week, on Monday hit a peak of frustration, although it may have been short-lived.

22.   Though the number is tiny, a Diller lieutenant voiced cautious optimism.

23.   U.K. Environment Minister Michael Meacher voiced optimism an accord would be reached.

24.   When asked about the specific issues, the chief Palestinian negotiator, Ahmed Qorei, voiced less optimism.

25.   While voicing optimism, officials within the Bush administration were careful to note that the impasse had yet to be resolved as of late Friday.

26.   With a state mediator involved in the dispute, some strikers are voicing optimism for the first time that an end to the strike may be in sight.

27.   Blackburn manager Graeme Souness also confirmed the talks and voiced optimism that a deal could be reached.

28.   Defense Council Secretary Yuri Baturin voiced his optimism in remarks to the Interfax news agency after returning from four days of consultations with various political forces in Tajikistan.

29.   European Union envoy Francois Leotard also voiced optimism about efforts to end five bitter months of conflict between Macedonian troops and ethnic Albanian rebels.

30.   Following talks earlier this month, Georgian leaders have voiced optimism that Abkhazia would settle for broad autonomy within Georgia.