Yesterday, Judge Weinstein said he had read the new indictment but found it lacking.

But in a decision last year Judge Weinstein seemed to indicate that the city's suit might have a better chance at success.

As in almost every one of the cases now before Judge Weinstein, the prosecutors say the defense arguments are little more than fantasy.

It was a case, Judge Weinstein said, that raised "novel and complex legal issues."

He called Judge Weinstein's interpretation of international law "at best, a stretch."

These cases will go under the supervision of Judge Weinstein.

Participants in the meeting said Judge Weinstein asked the lawyers to meet over the weekend to see if they could reach a settlement.

"You'll probably learn more here," Judge Weinstein said, but he excused him.

By all accounts the battle has now become one between Judge Weinstein and the plaintiffs' lawyers.

Lawyers said the strong plea for change in Judge Weinstein's ruling had been expected.