31.   But moderates have succeeded in promoting women sports, gradually convincing some members of the conservative camp to soften their opposition.

32.   Ehud Bandel, the president of the Conservative movement in Israel, expressed hope that joint membership at religious councils would soften Orthodox opposition to alternative branches of Judaism.

33.   Erbakan softened his opposition to Provide Comfort as soon as he came to power, saying he would consult the Turkish military on the issue.

34.   He also acknowledged that because Peru had not softened its opposition to a prisoner release, the talks have moved slowly.

35.   He did not say whether his comments softened Chinese opposition to the missile defense plan.

36.   He pointed to the Kremlin appearing to soften its opposition to Baltic NATO entry and to improved economic contacts.

37.   In recent weeks Turkey has softened its opposition.

38.   Rebel leaders, on the other hand, are believed to be recruiting the Christians to soften the opposition to a Muslim autonomous region by non-Muslims.

39.   Russia says their membership would be seen as a threat but has appeared to soften its opposition in recent months.

40.   Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Kozyrev refused to soften his opposition to a NATO blueprint setting out conditions for the entry of East European countries in the coming years.