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Exhibit 23(a)



                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our reports dated February 4, 2000
included in Washington Real Estate Investment Trust's Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1999 and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.



                                                     /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
                                                     -----------------------
Vienna, VA
October 26, 2000