61.   Aschroft has not expressed a view on the matter, said the official, who added that the discussions by other officials are still preliminary.

62.   Assad, who is in failing health, appeared to be in no worse condition than expected Saturday, the official said.

63.   At Boeing Field, one runway was seriously damaged by a quake-induced crack, said officials, who planned to closely examine area bridges and roadways Thursday.

64.   At a minimum, it takes six months to develop regulations but a year is closer to average, the official said.

65.   At first, parents bundled up the children more than usual, but now the students barely notice the difference, officials said.

66.   Asarco Inc. was among one of the partners in the venture, White House officials said.

67.   At the port at Karachi, the narcotics are shipped out to cities all over the world, officials said.

68.   At least nine horses died Friday night when a fire broke out in a Brooklyn stable, fire officials said.

69.   At one point, government officials said, prosecutors and investigators had competing theories as to which government Lee might have been aiding.

70.   Atlantic Richfield Corp. and Corpoven SA will soon decide on a partner for their joint venture to produce and upgrade heavy oil, company officials said.