61.   A senior IMF official, who briefed reporters on the upcoming meetings, said he expected formal approval of the emergency fund at the annual meeting.

62.   A senior U.S. official, briefing reporters on condition of anonymity, said the United States is willing to clarify all assurances in a Russia-NATO charter.

63.   A senior Israeli defense official, who briefed reporters on condition he not be identified by name, painted a different picture.

64.   A senior State Department official, briefing reporters Friday, said the administration hopes the two sides can narrow differences and build as much as possible on common ground.

65.   A ministry official, briefing reporters on the latest report, said weak domestic demand is keeping inventories bloated and weighing on industrial activity.

66.   A MITI official briefing reporters on the data noted that there were some bright spots in the latest data.

67.   A U.S. official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity, said the two leaders had discussed ways to promote energy cooperation.

68.   A senior Israeli official who briefed reporters Tuesday said the issue has not come up in discussions with American officials.

69.   A senior U.S. official, briefing reporters on condition of anonymity, said Bush expressed regret for the incidents without passing judgment on the most recent case.

70.   A Turkish government spokesman briefed reporters about the contents of their discussion.