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than the number of countries. For example. If three countries are seeking 

 a common project and have clearly defined a equitable sharing of work and 

 responsibilities, it is a relatively straightforward process to draft and 

 negotiate an agreement. If a country is unfamiliar with international 

 activities, such as the Peoples' Republic of China was as it emerged from 

 the Cultural Revolution, conclusion of an agreement can take several years. 

 If a country requires broad internal consensus, bilateral negotiations can 

 proceed quite slowly. 



In general, DOE, when considering an international activity, weighs pro- 

 grammatic and policy considerations on a case-by-case basis each time in 

 deciding whether to pursue a collaborative program on a bilateral or multi- 

 lateral arrangement. 



