1.   But hard-liners on both sides continued placing their nationalist interests above attempts to solidify the federation.

2.   But hard-liners on both sides continue following their nationalist interests and obstructing attempts to solidify the federation.

3.   Hard-liners on both sides continue following their nationalist interests and obstructing attempts to solidify the federation.

4.   Still, hard-liners on both sides continued placing their nationalist interests above attempts to solidify the federation, and they put an ethnic spin on any tension that arises.

5.   The United States has been particularly keen to solidify the federation as a key step toward any permanent peace settlement.