21.   British and Irish officials have emphasized that the new proposals are merely the starting point for negotiations, that any party may raise new proposals.

22.   But a senior Bush administration official emphasized that such questions would have to be negotiated by Pakistan and India, which has resisted direct American involvement.

23.   But administration officials emphasized that Clinton would avoid an overt personal endorsement for fear of provoking a damaging political backlash in a traditionally xenophobic land.

24.   But administration officials nonetheless emphasized their hope at reaching an agreement.

25.   But Bush administration officials emphasized that the U.S. role in the Middle East peace process will be less direct than during the Clinton years.

26.   But city officials emphasized that Universal had performed well on high-profile jobs.

27.   But city officials emphasize that poor people will get needed services if they agree to abide by the new guidelines, and emergencies will be addressed immediately.

28.   But church officials emphasize that indulgences are linked to a sincere repentance and are not a one-day expedient.

29.   But FAA officials emphasized Wednesday that they were given power under the legislation to make changes if the amount of traffic created by the law began to overburden airports.

30.   But Israeli officials emphasize that an agreement is hardly at hand.