11.   Bulgaria is historically close to Russia and was the most loyal Eastern European ally of the Soviet Union.

12.   Bulgaria was the most loyal Soviet ally under decades of Communist rule.

13.   But he is seen as a loyal ally to Mahathir and clean of the corruption that has plagued the Southeast Asian nation.

14.   Chernomyrdin, a loyal Yeltsin ally, has submitted his resignation on several previous occasions, most recently in March.

15.   During decades of communism, Bulgaria was a loyal ally of the Soviet Union and a member of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact.

16.   For one thing, Chernomyrdin is a loyal ally, and for another, the Duma would be unlikely to approve any replacement.

17.   He was a loyal ally for the United States, and a visionary advocate of Middle East peace.

18.   In spite of the sacking, Chernomyrdin has remained a loyal presidential ally.

19.   On Thursday, a Western military source said Izetbegovic was refusing to send home all foreign troops to avoid alienating loyal allies.

20.   Of all the former Soviet satellites, Bulgaria was the most loyal ally and the bulk of its trade was with Moscow.