1.   Still, there were signs today that both sides were softening and that an end to the strike could be at hand.

2.   There were signs yesterday that both sides were softening and that an end to the strike could be at hand.

3.   A panel of intermediaries, including Peruvian Archbishop Juan Luis Cipriani and Canadian Ambassador Anthony Vincent, has been trying to get both sides to soften their negotiating positions.

4.   All sides have softened their tone since a testy meeting of finance ministers last week when euro insiders threatened to shut the others out of a euro council.

5.   All sides have softened their tone since a testy meeting of EU finance ministers last week when euro insiders threatened to shut the others out and push ahead alone.

6.   Both sides softened positions on other core issues, including refugees and borders.

7.   Both sides have softened their positions in the last two weeks.

8.   To encourage this concession, the Catholic side softened its demand for the new Northern Ireland administration to coordinate economic development with the Irish government.

9.   Despite long talks early Friday between Kozyrev and Christopher, neither side would soften their position.