61.   Ancram urged Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams to resume exploratory talks broken off over a month ago and rejected claims London was dragging its feet.

62.   And Shakhrai had briefed Chernomyrdin on his exploratory talks Monday with Imayev and Abubakarov, who were sent here Sunday by the Chechen leader.

63.   Aside from the United States, it also plans similar pacts with Australia, Canada and Mexico, and has agreed to exploratory talks with Hong Kong.

64.   Britain has agreed to hold exploratory talks with Sinn Fein, but not with the IRA.

65.   But Israeli Foreign Minister Ehud Barak sounded a pessimistic note on Monday, saying in a television interview that the exploratory talks remained riddled with hurdles and complications.

66.   Exploratory talks have been held with Jordan and negotiations are expected to begin before the summer.

67.   Exploratory talks are not the same as an exchange of thoughts.

68.   Exploratory talks have also been under way between Britain and loyalist paramilitary groups.

69.   The statement was seen as a boost to historic exploratory talks, which sources said would focus on the key issues of weapons.

70.   The statement was seen as a boost to the exploratory talks, which sources said would focus on the key issues of weapons.