1.   It was often difficult to persuade able men to accept diplomatic posts in distant capitals.

2.   In Italy also high diplomatic posts were often filled by generals and occasionally admirals.

3.   As punishment for their service to East Germany, they are now banned from diplomatic posts, forbidden to practice the only trade most of them know.

4.   Acquaintances said Fireman has long coveted an appointment to a foreign diplomatic post, especially as an ambassador.

5.   Business acquaintances said Fireman openly coveted a foreign diplomatic post.

6.   But sources close to Holbrooke said Thursday that his lawyers are seeking to negotiate a settlement that would rescue his bid for the Cabinet-level diplomatic post.

7.   But Weld still left the door open for a diplomatic post if a sufficiently intriguing option were offered.

8.   But this highest of diplomatic posts is a prestige office until now thought fit only for men.

9.   Clinton had intended the nomination as a gesture of bipartisanship for a sensitive diplomatic post.