1.   In January, the ruling Social Democrats brought three nationalist parties into the government, and Iliescu has been able to keep these allies in check.

2.   Jospin reportedly tried in vain to keep his ally by his side by offering him other cabinet posts.

3.   Now his main job, another military officer said, is to keep the allies in line.

4.   Yeltsin has always thrived on his ability to confound his enemies and keep his allies off balance.

5.   If the Montenegrin wing backs Kostunica, he could have enough seats to keep Milosevic allies out of the government.

6.   Jiang was given another five-year presidential term and has kept close allies in top posts, including new Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and Defense Minister Chi Haotian.

7.   The bank statement said the board agreed to keep Amusategui ally Corcostegui in his current position as vice chairman.

8.   The United States traditionally has sought to keep even allies like France and other would-be European mediators at a distance.