But representatives of groups involved in the negotiations praised the agreement.

The debate lasted only an hour, and all representatives of Norwegian political parties praised the agreement.

Private environmental groups and representatives of some of the industries monitored by the department cautiously praised the choice of Mr. Cahill as Mr. Zagata's replacement, temporary or otherwise.

A Board of Education representative on the city's civil defense staff praised the film's "mental hygiene approach, its underlying qualities of cheerfulness and optimism."

American agricultural experts and representatives of the livestock industry praised today's step as timely.

Some representatives of arts groups praised Mr. Frohnmayer's selection.

At the news conference, against a sun-splashed ridge at Fahnestock Park, representatives from one environmental group after another praised Mr. Pataki's legacy of land preservation.

But representatives of environmental groups praised the proposal for its unusual commitment of money to finance the projects aimed at cleaning the waterways and reducing air pollution.

Gov. George E. Pataki renewed his push yesterday to create charter schools in New York State by having representatives of minority groups praise the schools, which are publicly financed but operate independently.

Here in Washington, the National Corn Growers Association and representatives of the ethanol industry praised the President's plan.