31.   At the end of the separate closed-door sessions late Tuesday, the council agreed to an Arab request for an emergency open meeting on the escalating Middle East conflict.

32.   British deputy Ambassador Stephen Gomersall said the council had generally agreed to wait until Secretary-General Kofi Annan makes a report in January with specific proposals for raising the ceiling.

33.   But most of the peacekeepers can be sent only when U.N. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali tells the Security Council that the truce is holding and the council agrees.

34.   But the council has not agreed on how to respond to Iraqi military moves.

35.   During deliberations, the council agreed to drop a German proposal to include a direct reference to the U.N. war crimes tribunal.

36.   Eleven nations expected to adopt the euro from the start insist they need a special council to agree on policy on such issues as budget deficits and exchange rates.

37.   Faced with U.S. opposition, the council agreed to forego a public statement.

38.   Eventually, the council agreed to let Rodriguez address the body.

39.   Finally, the council agreed to allow Rodriguez to address the body.

40.   Following complaints about controversial missions in Somalia and Bosnia, the council agreed last year to hold regular consultations with non-members that contribute to peacekeeping operations.