31.   Their NATO drives have been more contentious because of Russian objections to membership for ex-Soviet republics.

32.   To overcome Russian objections to its eastward expansion, NATO had agreed to a special relationship with Moscow and insisted they had no intention of forming a hostile bloc.

33.   U.S. officials dismissed Russian objections.

34.   U.S. officials had said that prohibition was not included due to Russian objections.

35.   U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell failed to persuade President Vladimir Putin on Monday to ease Russian objections to American plans for a national missile defense.

36.   However Bush gave notice in December, despite Russian objections, tdevelop an anti-missile defence system.

37.   Albright was insistent however that Russian objections would not be allowed to delay enlargement.

38.   But Petersen said Russian objections were based on a misunderstanding.

39.   Clinton promised to consider Russian objections.

40.   Czech President Vaclav Havel Tuesday reaffirmed the right for eastern European countries to join NATO, despite Russian objections.