1.   The existing treaty, signed in April but not yet ratified, included a clause preventing either side from joining an alliance against the interests of the other.

2.   An agreement, called the Founding Act, signed earlier last week between NATO and Russia declares that all nations have the right to join any alliance they choose.

3.   At the onset, for example, Turkey joined an alliance with Britain and France.

4.   Australian Associated Press quoted Thai Airways International President Tamnoon Wanglee as saying he plans to talk to Ansett about joining the alliance.

5.   Ayling said British Airways is still trying to persuade USAir Group Inc., its U.S. partner, to join the alliance with American.

6.   A dozen countries have applied to join the alliance.

7.   Additional banks are expected to join the alliance within the next few months, Birch said in a statement.

8.   Air New Zealand plans to join that alliance next year.

9.   Also, just last month, it invited Moscow to join the alliance as a participant, though not as a full-fledged member.

10.   BT said it is in talks with another company to join its alliance with Viag, which will continue as planned.