41.   Regional leaders agreed to ease the sanctions somewhat in April to let in food, medicine and other aid.

42.   Sanctions were eased slightly last year to allow Libya to receive agricultural commodities and medical equipment.

43.   Russia, apparently trusting of the Serbian leader, wants to reward Milosevic immediately by easing trade sanctions.

44.   Saddam was apparently convinced that even if he complied with U.N. resolutions, the United States would not allow the Security Council to ease sanctions.

45.   Several polls showed an increase in public support for easing sanctions in the wake of the Elian case.

46.   So was his pitch for easing the sanctions against Iraq.

47.   Some diplomats have questioned whether easing the sanctions would reduce the incentive to comply with resumed arms inspections, which the Iraqis flatly oppose.

48.   Such a move might put the United States on a diplomatic collision course with some of its allies who have sought to ease sanctions.

49.   That, in turn, would provide OPEC with more breathing room to allow for more production from Iraq if sanctions are eased by the United Nations next year.

50.   The administration should make clear that it would be willing to ease economic sanctions and move toward diplomatic recognition.