The most basic facts were in dispute, and a political leader could plausibly decline to express an opinion.

The Council has already begun drafting some of those, though its leaders declined yesterday to say what exactly they entailed.

Administration officials and top military leaders declined to talk on the record about their long-term plans in Iraq.

Republican leaders declined today to say where they stood on the matter.

But the Pakistani leader declined to do so even though his government condemned the hijacking, administration officials said.

The position is unfilled, and several medical leaders have declined to be considered for it.

Along the way, Pittsfield's civic leaders declined to replace the stadium.

The government has so far declined to escort the former leader to court from his villa in Jakarta, where he lives under house arrest.

The union's leaders declined to discuss the boycott resolution before the meeting.

Moreover, several leaders declined to discuss the swiftly changing circumstances.