71.   Pressed over recent intense speculation about premier Juppe, who has slumped to record poll lows, he paid tribute to his courage in implementing difficult reforms.

72.   Reppas made the statement amid intense speculation in the press that elections may be called in October, a year ahead of schedule.

73.   So far despite intense speculation, Peres has only hinted that he might be thinking of early polls.

74.   That triggered intense speculation about exactly what she had said.

75.   Standard Chartered merchant bank was at the centre of intense takeover speculation, before denying the rumours and then announcing Friday that it will sell its securities trading arm.

76.   Stocks linked to the Internet continued their advance amid intense speculation.

77.   The announcement followed days of intense speculation on the London stock exchange that the US group was preparing to launch a takeover for the power company.

78.   The meeting in a tin hut near the Salang tunnel north of Kabul, ends days of intense speculation about their precise relationship.

79.   The move has prompted intense speculation and anticipation of other opposition groups switching sides and joining the interim coalition government.