21.   Clinton waived the provision last July and took the same action Friday.

22.   In the past, Clinton has cited as his reason for waiving the provision an increase in international efforts to promote democratic change in Cuba.

23.   Legislation enacted three months ago gave Clinton until Tuesday to waive a provision that would allow the American owners to sue the foreign firms in U.S. courts.

24.   Successive administrations have continued to waive the provision as a means of supporting a negotiated settlement.

25.   The Bush administration has continued to waive the provision as a means of supporting a negotiated settlement.

26.   In an attempt to head off confrontation, US President Bill Clinton has twice waived the provision for lawsuits.

27.   In an attempt to defuse the row, President Bill Clinton has twice waived the provision for lawsuits.

28.   The Senate finance committee is to draft legislation waiving provisions of a law that could bar Chalene Barshefsky from being confirmed as US Trade Representative.

29.   US President Bill Clinton, in a bid to ease the conflict, has twice waived the provision for lawsuits.

30.   Meanwhile, Clinton must determine by August whether to waive provisions allowing US citizens to launch a court procedure against companies or persons who have assets in Cuba.