21.  Akashi, in his statement, acknowledged the need for better coordination with non-governmental agencies and said U.N. officials were examining how they could improve their reaction to emergencies.

22.  Amtrak confirmed the incident, but said officials were in a meeting and could not provide further details.

23.  An environmental consultant for the village, Zachare Akum Enow, said officials were partly to blame for ignoring what he said had been repeated warnings to improve drainage.

24.  Arafat feared Israel would not allow him to return, said Palestinian officials.

25.  Bacher, who gave up medical practice to concentrate on cricket shows, said officials should be punished for bringing the game into disrepute.

26.  Beverly stopped short of confirming the identity of the bodies, but said officials believe the search is over.

27.  Budget bargainers also seemed close to resolving a dispute over spending, said White House officials and congressional aides speaking on condition of anonymity.

28.  CNN spokesman David Bittler in Atlanta could not immediately comment on the accusations, but said officials were looking into the matter.

29.  Erekat said said officials at the meeting discussed safe passsage between the West bank and Gaza and a Palestinian airport in Gaza.

30.  Fung displayed letters from Chinese state organizations endorsing his center, and said officials in Beijing have promised their support.