11.   Arafat arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday as part of a week-long tour of international capitals to discuss the possibility of a statehood declaration.

12.   Arafat has indicated he would prefer delaying a statehood declaration.

13.   But the Palestinian Cabinet said in a statement following its meeting that it would continue making preparations for a statehood declaration in May.

14.   But the Palestinians could just as easily warn that if he did win the election, they would respond with a swift statehood declaration.

15.   Clinton is expected to reiterate U.S. requests to Arafat to postpone any statehood declaration.

16.   He embarked on a week-long tour of international capitals on Monday to discuss the possibility of a statehood declaration.

17.   He has also toured the world in hopes of winning international backing for a statehood declaration at a later time.

18.   Heads of state have told Arafat they support Palestinian independence in principle, but oppose a statehood declaration now, said Palestinian Planning Minister Nabil Shaath.

19.   He suggested, however, that a statehood declaration could.

20.   However, if the PCC backs down from a statehood declaration, Netanyahu could credit his tough policies, including threats to annex parts of the West Bank.