81.   China Thursday welcomed reports that North Korea has offered renewed talks with the United States and said it would make its own unspecified contribution to stability in the region.

82.   Earlier Tuesday, Deputy President Thabo Mbeki welcomed reports of the amnesty applications.

83.   The State Department welcomed Wednesday reports that China has freed dissident journalist Chen Ziming on medical parole because he is suffering from cancer.

84.   The report was welcomed as a step forward by environmental groups represented at the conference.

85.   The United States welcomed a report that Cuban President Fidel Castro had released six political prisoners but emphasized many more remained in prison for expressing dissent.

86.   The White House welcomed the report as confirmation the economy is on the right track.

87.   Tyco International shares rose sharply higher early Thursday as investors welcomed reports that the troubled company has received clearance for a spinoff of its CIT finance unit.

88.   UNESCO Director-General Federico Mayor welcomed the report, published this week, saying people now knew how their environments compared to those in other countries.

89.   Turkey Monday welcomed reports of Iraqi troops pulling back from Arbil.

90.   Japan Communist Party secretary general Kazuo Shii meanwhile welcomed the reports of the snap election.