41.   At his press conference, Rato declined to indicate a preference.

42.   Britain and Germany, who had indicated a preference for a one-year mandate, came round to the US position.

43.   The White House welcomed the move by the Republican-led Congress but indicated its preference for the gradual approach embraced by Russia.

44.   Israel has in the past indicated a preference for mediation by the United States, the main sponsor of the peace proess, rather than European diplomatic missions.