61.   The deficit also fell because companies increased the amount of funds they repatriated from overseas units, the ministry said.

62.   The disease cannot be transmitted to humans even if ingested, the ministry said.

63.   The education ministry has repeatedly said that its powers are limited to ensuring factual accuracy.

64.   The finance ministry has said it will not protect shareholders or subordinated-debt holders.

65.   The foreign ministry said Solheim, who ended a two-day visit, was expected to hold further talks with both sides.

66.   The French communications ministry said the new French government was prepared to take swift action to open the market to greater competition.

67.   The French government, which owns Thomson, has retained Rothschild et Compagnie to advise in the transaction, the finance ministry said.

68.   The Deposit Insurance Corp., an emergency pool of funds financed by banks and thrifts, will offer an undetermined amount of funds, the ministry said.

69.   The finance ministry said there was no need for new savings measures.

70.   The heath ministry said contaminated blubber is probably healthier than the processed foods in the standard North American diet.