11.   Portuguese media have speculated that three ministries will be given to Popular Party members including defense which is expected to go to Portas.

12.   The defense ministry was given authority for approving settlement projects and has since authorized construction of several thousand housing units around Jerusalem and along the Green Line.

13.   The finance ministry was given to Arben Malaj, also a socialist.

14.   The Israeli press has speculated that former army chief of staff general Ehud Barak or Yossi Sarid, who is the environment minister, could be given the ministry.