QUES: Furthermore , Bremer estimated that as many as 200 operatives from the extremist group Ansar al-Islam have slipped back into the country since May 1 .

Furthermore , Mr Bremer said that as many as 200 operatives from the extremist group Ansar al Islam had slipped back into the country since May 1 .

The sentences above mean the same or not?
****
ANS: yes

QUES: Meanwhile , law enforcement officials in Palm Beach County , Fla . , where Limbaugh owns a $ 24 million mansion , said his drug use is under investigation .

A law enforcement source in Palm Beach County , where Limbaugh owns a $ 24 million oceanfront mansion , said last week that Limbaugh 's drug use is still under investigation .

The sentences above mean the same or not?
****
ANS: yes

QUES: But none of them opposed the idea outright , ministers said .

But none of the ministers opposed Mr. Powell 's suggestion outright on Thursday , the ministers said .

The sentences above mean the same or not?
****
ANS:
yes