51.   However, officials close to Abdel Rahim said he did offer to step down because he felt embarrassed that he had failed to keep Arafat informed.

52.   However, officials close to Bush said they were not sure the deal was sealed, and Thompson sent mixed signals.

53.   However, officials close to Netanyahu said chances were slim that he would be ready to go Monday to Washington.

54.   However, other officials close to the negotiations said some parts of the deal had been left purposely vague to allow for a quick agreement.

55.   However, officials close to Bush said they were not sure the deal with the Wisconsin governor was sealed, and Thompson sent mixed signals.

56.   In Croatia, meanwhile, officials close to President Franjo Tudjman strongly hinted at a coming war there.

57.   Israel army radio quoted unidentified officials close to Barak as saying that he would ask Mubarak on Friday to reduce his involvement in the peace process.

58.   Officials close to him could not confirm the reports.

59.   Officials close to the negotiations did not offer an explanation, but said they had no reason to believe the talks were in trouble.

60.   Officials close to President Boris Trajkovski said the Macedonian leadership was also working on an amnesty plan for most insurgents who abandon their weapons.