1.   Pro-independence groups had submitted a series of similar declarations in March and April, each of which was defeated.

2.   Barak, who issued a statement promising to abide by the agreement, had refused to proceed with the truce arrangements until Arafat made a similar declaration.

3.   Hashimoto made a similar declaration, arguing that the U.S.-Japan military relationship will preserve peace and stability in the Asia Pacific.

4.   Gov. Christie Whitman of New Jersey made a similar declaration last Thursday.

5.   He challenged other academic and industry groups, specifically the Biotechnology Industry Organization, to make similar declarations on financial conflicts.

6.   He had issued similar declarations Tuesday for Florida and Georgia.

7.   Lawyers for Ring and Fergusun say Assistant County Attorney Al Fenzel has made similar declarations in court for two years.

8.   Letterman seemed unaware that Mr. Dole made a similar declaration the previous night in an appearance with David Frost on PBS.

9.   Similar declarations were made by many nations at the United Nations this week.

10.   The families of other hostages as well as business leaders, ranchers and other potential kidnapping victims are considering similar declarations to discourage future abductions.