1.   Despite persistent rumours in Washington of further infidelities, Mr Clinton says there will be no more surprises about him.

2.   There were persistent rumours that the former head of British Intelligence was in the pay of the Soviet Union.

3.   Fears about the Securitate police surfaced with persistent rumours that their members were still in powerful positions and were being protected by the government.

4.   Analysts said financial stocks led the rise, due to persistent rumours of possible mergers among local financial institutions.

5.   The merger between Citicorp and Travelers came amid persistent rumours that another US bank Chase Manhattan is also eyeing an investment bank.

6.   His appearance on Chinese television as a frail old man with a distant look led to persistent rumours regarding his state of health.

7.   A persistent rumour in the Polish capital was that the historian and former Solidarity figure, Bronislaw Geremek, could be offered the post of foreign minister.

8.   According to persistent rumours, which have not been officially confirmed, bus companies have been requisitioned to transport troops.

9.   At the weekend Chirac expressed his continued confidence in the prime minister, ending persistent rumours he will be replaced.

10.   Brahimi insisted the meeting would begin on Monday despite persistent rumours that the Loya Jirga could be postponed for at least a day.