1.   For centuries the country remained untouched by outside influences.

2.   Throughout the twentieth century the Commonwealth countries remained the main origins and destinations of international migration.

3.   Today many Third World countries remain dependent on selling their commodities to the West.

4.   While they ruled, the country remained isolated from the rest of the world.

5.   Most European countries remained noncommittal on the subject of their participation in the fund.

6.   The country remained in a state of turmoil, with simmering ethnic, religious and personal rivalries threatening to erupt into a fresh war.

7.   Meanwhile Western countries remained divided over whether to intervene militarily in the conflict.

8.   But the country remained for long a backwater in international relations.

9.   His enthusiasm was not matched by representatives of those industries and it is expected that EC countries will remain the main export targets.

10.   Although the time period of the warnings has lapsed, officials said the country should remain on alert.