11.   Analysts said failure by France to reduce its deficit to the same level as Germany could aggravate tensions between the two nations.

12.   And Germany has yet to show how it can reduce its deficit amid the threat of a revolt by voters against further taxes or cuts in welfare benefits.

13.   And with global financial markets exerting strong discipline, nations everywhere are adopting stricter policies to reduce budget deficits.

14.   And while the budget deficit has been reduced by cuts in some federal spending programs, Social Security payments and other entitlement outlays continue to rise.

15.   And while the deficit has been reduced by cuts in some federal spending programs, Social Security payments and other entitlement outlays continue to rise.

16.   As a result, political candidates are now debating how to spend surpluses rather than how to reduce deficits.

17.   Asked about the poll, the mayor said Monday that many residents appeared not to understand his need to reduce the deficit.

18.   Both nations are struggling to reduce their deficits as they strive to finance record-high unemployment and healthcare spending.

19.   Both nations are struggling to reduce their deficits, largely because of the cost of financing record-high unemployment.

20.   - The proceeds from the sale of gold cannot be used to reduce deficits, but are allowable to reduce overall debt.