EXHIBIT 23








                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     As independent public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the incorporation
of our report  dated  February 26,  1999,  included in this Form 10-K,  into the
Company's  previously flied Amendment No. 1 to Form S-4  Registration  Statement
No.  333-25355  and  post-effective  Amendment  No.  3 on Form  S-2 to Form  S-1
Registration Statement No. 33-59279.






                                                  /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
                                                  ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Washington, D.C.,
March 9, 1999