1.   If Arafat does delay a statehood declaration, it is likely to be only a short delay.

2.   In other words, Israel could pre-empt a statehood declaration by defining its own borders and dictating the terms between the two sides.

3.   Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said that renunciation of the statehood declaration was not a condition in the Wye accord.

4.   Peres was less direct than Lantos, but also suggested that the Palestinian would benefit from delaying a statehood declaration.

5.   A statehood declaration before the vote would likely scare some Israeli voters and move them closer to Netanyahu, boosting his chances of re-election.

6.   A unilateral statehood declaration, followed by Israeli annexation, would likely have led to widespread bloodshed.

7.   Aides said, however, that the timing of a statehood declaration was still being decided.

8.   Arafat advisers have said privately a statehood declaration is unlikely at this time.

9.   Arafat advisers have said privately that a statehood declaration is unlikely at this time.

10.   Arafat has been making a tour of international capitals to discuss the possibility of a statehood declaration.