41.   Meanwhile, congressional leaders prepared to vote Thursday or Friday on another week-long extension of the authority many agencies need to keep functioning through the budget impasse.

42.   Newspaper reports said the Israeli leader was preparing to meet soon with Arafat.

43.   Opposition leaders prepared for a long standoff, urging supporters to remain calm and not to break through the police cordon by force.

44.   Opposition leaders were openly preparing for elections if Yeltsin did not survive.

45.   Russian leader prepares for Helsinki meeting.

46.   Security tight as African leaders prepare for summit.

47.   Siazon said the ASEAN leaders have prepared a statement that they will present to Hu, but denied it will single out China for criticism.

48.   Southern African leaders prepared Tuesday for a summit on the woes of a troubled region facing escalating war and worsening poverty and disease.

49.   Spanish political leaders prepared Monday to meet with Irish leader Gerry Adams to discuss ways to end the Basque conflict.

50.   The demonstration took place as world leaders prepare to arrive on Monday.