51.   He and Albright said they hoped that with more time to consider the issues the treaty might be approved.

52.   He said that the Foreign Ministry would lobby the Duma deputies to approve the treaty.

53.   In other San Lazaro events, National Action Party Deputy Juan Bueno Torio announced a proposal that would require the Chamber to approve international treaties.

54.   India was the only country on the drafting committee not to approve the treaty.

55.   Ireland, an officially neutral nation, is required by its constitution to approve EU treaties by a public vote.

56.   It was not clear if the United States would accept any changes or revisions raised as conditions for the Duma to approve the treaty.

57.   Last month, the U.N. General Assembly overcame opposition by India and overwhelmingly approved the treaty, drafted in nearly three years of talks in Geneva, Switzerland.

58.   Lawmakers appeared ready to approve the treaty earlier this month, but again delayed ratification until next spring to protest U.S. and British air strikes against Iraq.

59.   Lawmakers appeared ready to approve the treaty earlier this month, but again put off ratification to protest U.S. and British air strikes against Iraq.

60.   Many delegations had hoped that a month of reflection would enable the conference to approve the treaty this week.