Japanese trade officials, meanwhile, view the semiconductor agreement as one of their greatest blunders.

The Administration charged Japan with two violations of the semiconductor agreement.

The semiconductor agreement has become a key reference point for the current framework talks.

"I also believe the Japanese companies have taken the semiconductor agreement seriously and will abide by it."

The move comes before an important review later this month in Hawaii of progress under the semiconductor agreement.

In fact, in mid-1991, when the second semiconductor agreement was signed, many assumed that the goal would not be reached by the end of 1992.

But it wants to keep the consultations that exist under the semiconductor agreement.

The semiconductor agreement is considered a model for what the Administration wants to do with the broader new trade agreement.

Last year's semiconductor anti-dumping agreement, negotiated with the Japanese, is the type of pressure favored by the professors.

Japanese officials are worried that the Clinton Administration will view the semiconductor agreement as a model for other agreements.