1.   As in the past, however, the politically attuned prime minister has remained elusive about a referendum date and cautious about the likely outcome of any economic assessment.

2.   As the referendum date approached, the board refused a request by the Amarillo Globe-News, the local newspaper, for the rejected offers.

3.   Chevrette said a final announcement on the referendum date will likely be made before the weekend.

4.   The government might then set a referendum date.

5.   He said financial markets are for now paying little attention to the sovereignty debate in Quebec, but this could change as soon as a referendum date is announced.

6.   His statements caused a wave of speculation about possible referendum dates and calls for discussion from other party leaders.

7.   In an executive order confirming the referendum date, Musharraf said no court, tribunal or other authority would be permitted to challenge the decision to hold the vote.

8.   It was not immediately clear what impact, if any, the U.N. downsizing would have on efforts to nail down a referendum date.

9.   The latest polls show a deadlock between the separatists and federalists as the referendum date nears.

10.   The session was scheduled to continue Tuesday when the actual referendum date is expected to be set.