Ambiguity has been the hallmark of Denmark's nuclear exclusion policy; officials have preferred never to ask whether it was being observed or not.

The magazine reported that "American officials would prefer to negotiate a treaty establishing a new world order by general consent."

Palestinian officials, of course, prefer not to be lumped in with the Taliban.

This position may prevail in the administration, although more moderate officials would prefer to see Washington simply renounce its own signature of the treaty.

German officials prefer a rival bid by Magna because they believe it will preserve more jobs.

Elected officials prefer their followers to be behind them.

Although officials would prefer to see the bicycles bought by people for their own use, the bikes must be sold to the highest bidder.

The participants and officials alike, preferred the more technical term "engines" to describe their machines.

The officials prefer interleague games in two clusters, as they are scheduled now.

They also say that Taiwanese officials prefer to delay any action on the bill until after the island's new government takes power in late May.