1.   Courts have recognized that most Indians were at a disadvantage, in terms of power and information, during the treaty process.

2.   In awarding the prize to the group and to Ms. Williams, the Nobel committee said it was openly trying to influence the treaty process.

3.   New accords to avoid incidents in space could take the form of executive agreements between national authorities -- again avoiding the cumbersome treaty process.

4.   The treaty process quickly became an intense political issue, and is likely to resurface in provincial elections expected soon.

5.   But it refused to join in the treaty process.

6.   Even China, which a few months ago was belittling the treaty process, was participating in roundtable discussions on such topics as mine removal and victim assistance.

7.   However, the U.S. is understood still to be interested in the treaty process and in continuing participation in discussions.

8.   Neither China nor India was part of the treaty process at all, and Russia sent only an observer delegation.

9.   The committee said in its citation that it hoped the prize would push the treaty process forward.

10.   The treaty process began a year earlier when Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy summoned a few countries to consider a ban.