1.   By many estimates, the two payments would amount to a wash.

2.   Opponents argue the payments amount to a subsidy of wool and mohair.

3.   Prosecutors contended that the payments amounted to hush money and that the tapes provided proof that Cisneros intended to lie about the size of the payments.

4.   Soft-dollar payments now amount to nearly a billion dollars a year and support an entire industry.

5.   The commission says the advance payments by Gottehrer amounted to interest-free loans.

6.   It found the payments amounted to a bribe.

7.   Japan refuses the Russian demand, arguing that such a payment would amount to recognition of Russian sovereignty over the islands.

8.   Japan refuses the Russian argument, saying payment would amount to recognition of Russian sovereignty over the islands.

9.   Japan has rejected Russian demands to pay for fishing rights, arguing that such payment would amount to recognizing Russian sovereignty over the disputed islands.

10.   Japan claims that such payments would amount to a recognition of Russian sovereignty over the four islands.