31.   Through massive daily protests and a general strike aimed at forcing Ratsiraka to step down, Ravalomanana has brought the country to a near standstill.

32.   This left behind a core of gas that was so cold that all atomic motion came to a near standstill.

33.   With the Paris metro and bus system at a near standstill Thursday morning, commuters packed Paris sidewalks.

34.   However, analysts say the talks have reached a near standstill.

35.   Air traffic, also at a near standstill for the past three weeks, has resumed, but at a reduced rate.

36.   Analysts say the talks have reached a near standstill.

37.   Bosnia is attempting to recover from the three-and-a-half-year war that brought the economy to a near standstill.

38.   But despite hopes the dialogue was paving the way for a fully fledged reconciliation process and democratic reforms, they are now believed to have reached a near standstill.

39.   Dealers said investors were encouraged that the IPO market, which had dwindled to a near standstill in recent quarters, is coming back to life.

40.   Disconsolate fans trudged away after the final whistle of a match that had brought the country to a near standstill and promised so much.