1.   This week, however, their icy relations thawed perhaps half a degree.

2.   As relations thaw, Japan warms up to influx of Russian sailors.

3.   But relations have thawed since then, with Eisner visiting the country last fall.

4.   But relations have thawed after the two countries last year agreed to focus on secondary issues to build friendship.

5.   Inter-Korean relations have thawed significantly following a summit between South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in June.

6.   Inter-Korea relations have thawed significantly since Kim visited Pyongyang to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.

7.   Relations have thawed somewhat under the new governments of President Rene Preval in Haiti and Dominican President Leonel Fernandez.

8.   Relations have thawed in recent years.

9.   Relations have thawed significantly since the summit.

10.   Relations have thawed since the election of the reformist Khatami, who has sought better relations with Western countries.