1.   A quarter-century ago, Congress granted the city home rule authority, giving it a large degree of autonomy over its own affairs.

2.   In two days the British parliament is to pass legislation transferring home rule authority from London to Belfast.

3.   The decision will have the effect of blocking the transfer of home rule authority from the British Parliament in London to the new Northern Ireland Assembly in Belfast.

4.   The suspension of the home rule authorities raised worries that the IRA would respond by retreating from disarmament discussions that are central to any settlement.

5.   Sources close to the Palestinian authority said Arafat was backing the group in hopes of persuading Hamas to join the Palestinian-self rule authority.