21.   Khaled was absent when the PNC voted to amend the charter.

22.   Khaled, who opposed the change, was absent when the council voted to amend the charter.

23.   Lawmakers would be allowed to amend the charter after they take office in the new parliament.

24.   Netanyahu supporters in U.S. Jewish organizations have been lobbying Congress to cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority unless the charter is amended.

25.   On Tuesday, the court declined to reconsider a previous ruling against a signature campaign to amend the charter.

26.   The PNC is expected to hold the crucial vote on amending the charter this week.

27.   To amend the charter, Arafat needs a two-thirds vote of the council, which must be convened by the Executive Committee.

28.   Until the charter is amended, Prime Minister Shimon Peres of Israel warned on Wednesday, peacemaking is on hold.

29.   Under the Israel-PLO autonomy agreement, the charter must be amended within two months of the first meeting of the Palestinian council.

30.   Under the terms of the latest Israel-PLO autonomy agreement, the PLO charter must be amended within two months of the Palestinian elections.