Officials in Washington and Western diplomats here asserted that there were no serious disussions taking place at this time about future defense arrangements.

These are not common qualities in diplomats, in my experience.

The assessment was echoed by American officials in Washington and diplomats here.

But after seeming near agreement on the subject, they became mired in bitter differences, diplomats and negotiators said.

The academy is committed to excellence in guiding diplomats to meet the complex challenges of diplomacy in the 21st century.

But virtually no one who has closely studied the group in recent years, diplomats and scholars alike, believes it.

Administration officials in Washington and several Asian diplomats said there was significant danger that the crisis would intensify.

One country after another called in Japanese diplomats this week and dressed them down, saying Japan had set back its efforts to repair relations by years.

Officials do not expect to have a resident ambassador for a few years, but will send in diplomats for a few months at a time.

"You take these men and you'll be up to your deck in diplomats."