He described it as a breakthrough but warned that there remained "tough issues ahead."

Israeli officials, who have played a central role for the last month, declined to describe the events today as a breakthrough.

Security officials described the arrest of the man as a breakthrough in their investigations into right-wing political violence.

Bush administration officials described the decision as a major breakthrough on dealing with the Iran issue.

Still, American officials are being careful not to describe the inspections as a major breakthrough.

The official described the participation of the Chinese as a breakthrough.

Israeli Cabinet ministers described the agreement today as a breakthrough.

Diplomats on both sides described the accord as a breakthrough in the relationship between the two old rivals.

A spokesman for Friends of the Earth described the statement as an important breakthrough.

But she described their response to "Street Corner" as a breakthrough.