QUES: " Arifin has disclosed to the I.S.D. that he is involved with a group of like-minded individuals in planning terrorist attacks against certain targets in Thailand , " the statement said .

" Arifin has disclosed . . . that he is involved with a group of like-minded individuals in planning terrorist attacks against certain targets in Thailand .

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

QUES: Sens. John Kerry and Bob Graham declined invitations to speak .

The no-shows were Sens. John Kerry of Massachusetts and Bob Graham of Florida .

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

QUES: Associated Press Writer Curt Anderson at the Justice Department in Washington , D.C. , contributed to this story .

Associated Press Writer Jay Reeves in Birmingham , Ala . , contributed to this story .

The sentences above mean the same or not?
****
ANS:
no