1.   But Kok said Monday the issue will not mar the visit.

2.   The issue has marred U.S.-Russian relations ahead of a presidential summit next month.

3.   The issue also marred U.S.-Russian relations ahead of a presidential summit next month.

4.   The racial issues marred the election campaign several other times.

5.   The two issues have marred relations and held up talks on a visit for years.

6.   The issue mars otherwise good relations between the two countries, both members of the European Union.