81.   Tony Shields, executive secretary of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, said U.S. authorities want to know where the proceeds of the gold sale are headed.

82.   Traders said the price was boosted partly by the growing belief that European central banks have most, if not all, of their gold sales behind them.

83.   U.S. officials indicated the IMF was close to approving an alternative gold sale plan for the debt-relief plan.

84.   While the United States strongly backed the gold sales, Germany was adamantly opposed.

85.   Xi reported about Chinese interest rate changes and gold sales before an official announcement was made.

86.   Yet President Jorge Quiroga has given his stamp of approval, and local newspapers have been reporting the possible gold sale as practically a done deal.

87.   France, which favors the gold sales but only if there is a consensus, is said to play a key role in the debate.

88.   Gold prices rebounded this week on comments by the South African Central Bank governor that appeared to weaken the prospect of further gold sales by European central banks.

89.   Gold sales were suspended Thursday and Friday because of the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

90.   Germany, in particular, and Italy and Japan are against the principle of gold sales while Britain, Canada and the United States support the idea.