1.   The talks were soured by a naval confrontation, apparently caused by North Korean testing of maritime borders.

2.   Lee is anxious to ensure that the rumours do not sour talks with Brother -- a Japanese computer and manufacturing company.

3.   The fact that Russia has requested a binding treaty may further sour disarmament talks, as the United States has said it wants a more informal agreement.

4.   The fact that Russia has requested a binding legal treaty may further sour disarmament talks, as the United States has said it wants a more informal agreement.