1.   But US officials say the banana dispute is the first one in which a losing party has refused to abide by the outcome.

2.   Similarly, the official said, Lamy of the European Union also made a quick resolution of the banana dispute a priority.

3.   The banana dispute is deeply steeped in American politics.

4.   The difference is that in the banana dispute, Clinton had an immediate way to strike back, which is exactly what he did Monday morning.

5.   The farm chief said he would seek a negotiating mandate from EU countries by July in a bid for a negotiated settlement with the U.S. to the banana dispute.

6.   The pros and cons of the banana dispute are not overly important.

7.   A second panel has been asked to look at the use of the law in the banana dispute and report back in March.

8.   British Trade Minister Brian Wilson, in Los Angeles for a Foreign Trade Association meeting, urged the parties to avoid escalating the banana dispute into something more.

9.   But Lamy refused to comment on whether he believed the progress on the banana dispute reflected an attempt by the Bush administration to deflect criticism in other areas.

10.   Caribbean countries suspend treaty with United States due to banana dispute.