81.   Territorial continuity would make it easier for the Palestinians to declare statehood in the future.

82.   That brought a swift reaction from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said that Israel has a contingency plan if Arafat unilaterally declares statehood.

83.   That was the deadline Arafat had originally set for declaring statehood if no peace deal was been sealed.

84.   The Clinton administration has urged Arafat to avoid declaring statehood, fearing that could scuttle the ailing peace process, and favors an extension of the interim period instead.

85.   The congressman also favors cutting off Palestinian aid if statehood is unilaterally declared, and previously cosponsored legislation recommending the same.

86.   The Palestinian leader has said he has a right to declare statehood in the absence of any negotiated agreement.

87.   The State Department, meanwhile, criticized the House for voting this week to cut off all except humanitarian aid to the Palestinians if Yasser Arafat declares statehood.

88.   The Turkish Cypriots declared statehood, which is recognized only by Turkey, and thousands of Turkish troops remain on the island.

89.   The top item at the Palestinian meeting is whether to declare statehood on the West Bank land Israel has already turned over to the Palestinians.

90.   The top item on the agenda is whether to declare statehood on the West Bank land Israel has already turned over to the Palestinians.