But details could delay a final agreement.

But executives said there were still details to work out, which could delay a final agreement.

After the hearing, all the lawyers refused to discuss the issues that were delaying an agreement.

"There would be particular consequences if either the Serbs or the Muslims refused or delayed an agreement."

It was not clear whether any new snags had developed to delay an agreement.

Mr. Pataki made his comments one day after he and legislative leaders resolved the most difficult issues that had delayed a final agreement.

The full report was due yesterday, but protracted, often passionate negotiations on the panel, which includes two city commissioners, delayed a final agreement.

Changes within the players union have also delayed an agreement.

United States reluctance in three years of negotiations helped delay an agreement on higher fund contributions initially scheduled for completion in 1988.

I do not want to underestimate the degree of difficulty nor the disagreements on priorities, but this necessary debate should not delay an agreement.