31.   French Foreign Minister Herve de Charette, pursuing a parallel effort in Damascus, Jerusalem and Beirut, also voiced optimism.

32.   French Foreign Minister Herve de Charette, pursuing his own diplomatic effort in Damascus, Jerusalem and Beirut, also voiced optimism.

33.   French Foreign Minister Herve de Charette, pursuing his own effort in Damascus, Jerusalem and Beirut, also voiced optimism.

34.   He voiced optimism that foreign ministers from western powers and Russia will agree Thursday on the outline of a U.N.-backed peace proposal.

35.   In his report, Annan voiced cautious optimism about efforts to restore peace in Congo.

36.   In opening remarks this morning, both Gore and Chernomyrdin voiced optimism that a number of agreements would be reached.

37.   Kim voiced strong optimism that his new policy will work.

38.   Negotiations between teachers and the school board resumed Monday, with district officials voicing optimism about reaching a deal on Labor Day.

39.   Negotiations between teachers and the school board resumed today, with district officials voicing optimism about reaching a deal on Labor Day.

40.   Premier voices optimism for Social Democrats to stay in office,