51.   In the last week, German officials have been less outspoken against combat troops but have been pushing a diplomatic solution.

52.   In Washington, National Security Advisor Samuel Berger said he hoped Annan would find a diplomatic solution.

53.   It called for a diplomatic solution, but also sought to blame Saddam for his refusal to comply with U.N. resolutions.

54.   It could itself lead to an escalation or close-off opportunities for a diplomatic solution.

55.   Later signalling that a showdown was not imminent, however, McCurry stressed that the United States would seek a diplomatic solution to the latest Iraqi-U.S. standoff.

56.   Later, he broke with President Lyndon B. Johnson and urged that a diplomatic solution be sought.

57.   Mr. Clinton says he prefers a diplomatic solution in Iraq.

58.   NATO officials argue that they put off air strikes for months as they pursued a diplomatic solution.

59.   On Iraq, Albright repeated her preference for a diplomatic solution but said time is running out.

60.   On Friday, Annan sent a last-ditch appeal to Baghdad, but told reporters that prospects for a diplomatic solution were fading.