1.   Perhaps, as officials contend, faces will be saved by a last-minute rush to meet the new deadline.

2.   However, Syrian officials contended that with the signing of the treaty Syria had for the first time formally acknowledged Lebanon as an independent state.

3.   American officials also contend that senior Serbian officials have set up companies here on behalf of the Belgrade government.

4.   Although Justice officials contended that King had no authority to hear the case, King apparently has prevailed.

5.   Among other things, Hasbro officials contended that the two companies were too big, and that a merger would affect too many products.

6.   American officials contend that Iraq has failed to meet all U.N. demands for lifting economic sanctions that were imposed after the gulf war.

7.   And one team official contended that people outside the coaching staff and the players visit the practice facility no more than they used to under Van Gundy.

8.   And, these officials contend, there is no long-term physical damage to a prisoner who is stunned.

9.   Angry Southbridge officials contended that the Pentagon, and especially Deputy Defense Secretary John White, is dragging its heels in releasing the report Congress has required.

10.   Another consideration, Democratic officials contend, was mayoral politics.