1.   A spokesman for Mr Berlusconi Declined to confirm or deny the reports.

2.   A spokesman for the company denied reports that the new drug could cause heart attacks.

3.   Acer denied a report that it would make electronic games on behalf of Nintendo.

4.   And intelligence sources last night denied early reports that one van had slipped through their dragnet.

5.   Government officials have denied reports of rebel advances.

6.   He denied reports linking him to Colombian drug dealers.

7.   He praised the smooth running of the election, and denied reports that people had been forced to cast their ballots.

8.   His spokesmen have consistently denied the reports.