11.   Wright tried to defuse any controversy about his relationship with the Yankees, choosing instead to focus on the job ahead.

12.   Austria coach Herbert Prohaska tried to defuse the controversy.

13.   Bush also attempted to defuse another controversy surrounding the ex-president.

14.   Bush did not comment directly on the latest report, but he clearly sought to defuse the controversy with symbolism.

15.   Calling for the meeting was a significant concession by the government, but it was not clear if it would defuse the controversy.

16.   Organizers were scrambling to find an alternative site to defuse the controversy.

17.   The attempt to defuse controversy immediately ran into trouble, when a priest named to take over as high priest during the investigation refused the post.

18.   The New York-based Anwar Sadat Foundation sought to defuse the controversy.

19.   The move came hours after acting President Vladimir Putin sought to defuse the controversy by saying the reporter should be freed.

20.   The New York-based Anwar Sadat Foundation, named for the assassinated Egyptian president, sought to defuse the controversy.