71.   Negotiations were continuing in the corridors late Thursday in a bid to end the impasse, American sources said.

72.   Ota was in Tokyo for talks with the premier aimed at ending the impasse over the US base leases row.

73.   Professional groups have criticised Both Zia and Wajed for failing to end the impasse and for calling frequent strikes that hurt the economy.

74.   The government in recent days has been holding separate talks with the three opposition groups to end the impasse.