1.   Clifton said there is a slim chance the Yankees could unexpectedly offer less than his client is seeking and stall an agreement.

2.   He also said penalties and refunds are an option during negotiations, but could stall agreements on lower rates if they were required in every case.

3.   It became apparent Friday that it was not only the United States and other industrial nations that stalled agreements on major issues.

4.   The last-minute objections threaten to stall an agreement that analysts believe would open up unprecedented access and investment in telecommunications markets worldwide.

5.   This may provide some cover for stalling an agreement but is unlikely to fly very far in a re-election campaign if tobacco contributions become an issue.

6.   U.S. trade officials have made last-minute demands for access to Asian satellite telecommunications markets, threatening to stall an agreement.

7.   But differences over sovereignty and jurisdiction have stalled agreement on fishing disputes and the repatriation of hijackers and illegal immigrants.

8.   Congress could stall the agreement by denying funds for the fuel oil.

9.   Large-scale fighting has abated but sporadic clashes have continued despite the truce, and both sides have blamed each other for stalling the agreements.

10.   Large-scale fighting in Chechnya has abated but sporadic clashes have continued despite the truce, and both sides have blamed each other for stalling the agreements.