And if those rising corporate mortality rates were real, it would also show that banks were feeling increasingly confident that they have sufficient capital to absorb the consequential losses - which would also be a very positive sign, in that banks would also have sufficient capital to extend necessary credit to viable businesses.

BBC: Is there good news in HMV's collapse?

Tudjman wants the Europeans to extend their non-military observer mission, now limited to Slovenia, to his republic as a sign that foreign countries will help Croatia stand up to the Yugoslav army.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy