The remarks coincided with new fatalities, in addition to 14 British military personnel who died when a Nimrod reconnaissance plane crashed in Afghanistan over the weekend.

Mr. Carlucci's remarks coincided with a trip by his deputy, William Howard Taft 4th, to Tokyo, Bonn and other allied capitals to urge them to step up their military efforts.

The remarks coincided with a 10-day Iranian naval exercise in the strait and nearby waters, a show of military force that began on Saturday.

His remarks coincided with hearings before committees in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, in which lawmakers are looking into concentration and competition in the airline industry.

The remarks by two senior Pretoria officials in interviews in Sunday newspapers here coincided with speculation by news commentators that Mr. Mandela could be freed before Christmas.

Their trips, and their inflammatory remarks, coincided with a statement from Mr Yeltsin's office warning Mr Kravchuk not to take any unilateral steps over the fleet.

His remarks also coincided with hopeful statements from Iran, Syria and Lebanon saying the hostages should be freed soon.

Mr. Baker's remarks, to a meeting of the cotton industry in Memphis, coincided with the Iowa Presidential caucus.

The remarks also coincide with last-minute talks to prevent a trade war over a threat by Washington to cut Beijing's textile export quota by 25 to 35 percent.

His remarks coincided with a report of an inquiry into the Park Service's decision to start the fire to clear underbrush.