11.   So a country known for its soft voice on defense matters may find itself forced to take a very hard line on the Arctic.

12.   Southerners, who have long prided themselves on their emphasis on national defense matters, are in the front lines.

13.   The Americans would like the two countries to cooperate even more closely in defense matters, and would like Canada to increase its defense budget sharply.

14.   The two senators, who are respected on defense matters, have the support of at least nine other senators from both parties.

15.   Any EU forays into defense matters probably will be limited, the German minister said, probably involving only peacekeeping or humanitarian tasks.

16.   Botswana Foreign Affairs Minister Lt. Gen. Mompati Merafhe said the new group would allow regional states to take a common position on defense matters and other major issues.

17.   European Union leaders are considering adopting a new constitution that would keep defense matters in the hands of NATO, a move that will please Washington.

18.   Jordan is the first Arab nation to cooperate on defense matters with Israel.

19.   Kabila also took command of defense matters, thereby assuring him control over both political and military affairs in the country he conquered six days ago.

20.   On defense matters Persson said the Council of Baltic States could serve as a link between the European Union and Russia.