LOS ANGELES (Reuter) - Larry Hagman, who became a TV legend as the villainous J. R. Ewing in Dallas, was in critical but stable condition last night following a successful liver transplant operation.

Dr. Leonard Makowka, of Cedars Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles, told reporters following the marathon, 15-hour operation that a post-operative examination of Hagman's old liver showed the cirrhosis of the actor's liver ``was at a very advanced state. Untreated he had months to live.''

KARACHI (Reuter) - Pakistan's ethnic Mohajir National Movement (MQM) said yesterday it would reopen peace talks with the government as seven more killings were reported in this port city. ``We are ready to resume peace talks,'' MQM chief negotiator Ajmal Dehlavi said in response to a government offer of a meeting.