41.   They agreed Thursday to refer the issue to the U.N. General Assembly if no solution can be found within a week.

42.   They decided Thursday to refer the issue to the U.N. General Assembly if no solution can be found within a week.

43.   Weston said council diplomats would refer the issue to their capitals for a decision and then confer again Tuesday morning.

44.   Given the huge political stakes involved, most officials believe the vets are more likely to refer the issue to agriculture ministers -- leading to further delays.

45.   China indicated Thursday that it was opposed to referring the issue of sovereignty over the Spratly Islands to the United Nations.

46.   The UAE side explained its reasons for wishing to refer the issue to the Internation Court of Justice in the Hague.