1.   The signing came as the Clinton administration weighed whether to impose a ban on new American investment in Burma because of its human rights abuses.

2.   His signing came the day after Zaragoza dismissed its coach Txetxu Rojo after a poor set of results.

3.   The signing came as a storm was brewing in the United States over charges that the CIA withheld information about Guatemalan involvement in two murders.

4.   The signing came as Chilean President Eduardo Frei was wrapping up a two-day state visit to Argentina.

5.   The signing came a day after Kim arrived in Tokyo for a four-day visit, his first since becoming president.

6.   The signing came after the Tokyo stock market had closed.

7.   The signing came just days after the Rockies also signed free-agent pitchers Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle.

8.   The signing came a day after Ratliff was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his left leg that will keep him out at least three weeks.

9.   The signing came a day after the Georgian parliament refused to ratify the accord.