71.   The Federation Council passed a non-binding motion on Friday endorsing Chernomyrdin, putting pressure on the Duma to confirm his appointment.

72.   The FRA will give creditors a fortnight to confirm their appointment.

73.   The full Senate confirmed his appointment Thursday evening and Owen was notified on Friday.

74.   The largest groups in the Duma, including the Communists, appeared ready to confirm his appointment.

75.   The leadership contest will be decided by consensus rather than a vote and the WTO general council hopes to confirm the appointment by the end of this year.

76.   The official Saudi Press Agency said his appointment was confirmed by King Fahd.

77.   The Senate, which must confirm the appointment, postponed a hearing this week after aides pointed out a constitutional snag.

78.   The parliament overwhelmingly confirmed the appointment of Yevgeny Primakov as prime minister.

79.   The state Senate confirmed the appointment of Elma Bellini as a Monroe County Court judge.

80.   The Senate on Thursday also confirmed appointments of Glenn Wenzel, David Waks and Thomas Brogan for three judgeships in Passaic County.