The preparatory process revealed a near-scandalous lack of enlightened international leadership But vague declarations that pledge countries to do very little may nevertheless assume great importance.

All this did not stop several vague declarations from being signed supporting world peace, opposing free trade in the Americas or condemning United States military action.

If all NATO produces is a vague declaration, France would draw its conclusions.

Here's where Mr. Clinton's vague declarations come up short.

The utter unexpectedness, improbability, and inconceivableness of such an event robbed this vague declaration of all its effect.

The UN Conference is pointless if it remains bogged down in fine promises and vague declarations.

The ECB itself refuses, through its President, to express any views on the subject, apart from a few vague international declarations.

Let us be honest with ourselves - after many years of vague political declarations and inactivity, several of us feel an acute need to finally move towards concrete action.

But as far as real action is concerned, we have had nothing but vague declarations.

A vague declaration of intent has since been drafted by the Council to prevent similar problems from occurring in future, but it remains to be seen what will come of this.