11.   But the North, hard-pressed by worsening economic problems and suffering a food shortage bordering on famine, is softening its policy, U.S. and South Korean officials say.

12.   Greece, too, has recently softened its policies.

13.   He faces pressures from one side to soften the policy, and from the other to dismiss the admitted marijuana users.

14.   Interior Minister Jaime Mayor Oreja visited some of the wounded Sunday and said the attacks would not soften government policy.

15.   It had hoped the United States would use its influence to pressure Israel to soften its policies, but returned Sunday disappointed.

16.   Soybean futures rocketed to five-week highs Friday on the Chicago Board of Trade, responding to rumors that China would soften its policies on genetically modified products.

17.   That policy was softened last year to allow athletes to keep their scholarships.

18.   The delegation had hoped the U.S. would use its influence to pressure Israel to soften its policies, but was returning disappointed.

19.   Various agencies have contributed thousands of tons of food aid to North Korea since it softened its policy of self-containment to allow food aid from the West.

20.   However, he drastically softened his policies after being authorized to form a new government in early June.