21.   Rao brought six new members into his Cabinet and promoted two others to consolidate his hold on a squabble-ridden party.

22.   Rao has brought six new members into his cabinet and promoted two others to consolidate his hold on a squabble-ridden party.

23.   Rebels began to consolidate their hold on Zaire as deposed dictator Mobutu Sese Seko prepared for a life in exile.

24.   A Taliban leader said Friday restrictions on women that have prompted international condemnation could be lifted once the Islamic group has consolidated its hold over the Afghan capital.

25.   After his second purge, he reached down to the rice roots to consolidate his hold on the army, the party and the government.

26.   An aviation analyst at SBC Warburg said it made good sense for the airline to consolidate its hold on the growing mainland market.

27.   At that time, the Taliban were trying to consolidate their hold on northern Afghanistan.

28.   Balfour said sporadic firing continued in the streets of Knin, but that Croat troops appeared to be consolidating their hold of the city.

29.   Canadian speedskaters Jeremy Wotherspoon and Catriona Le May Doan swept three of four World Cup races Wednesday, consolidating their hold atop the World Cup standings.

30.   Government troops have spent the last six days regrouping, clearing land mines and booby traps, and consolidating their hold on captured areas.