1.   He then softened its stance after discovering France needed fresh funds to help reduce its borrowing, a requirement for the European single currency.

2.   Kentucky eased its stance after discussions between attorneys general from the two states.

3.   Kerrigan, who in recent days has insisted he has given the matter no thought, could no longer maintain that stance after his meetings with Port and Lucchino.

4.   The National Marine Fisheries Service backed off that stance after months of talks with the Forest Service and the Justice Department, officials say.

5.   The soft-spoken Ramirez said he worked on his stance after the first three games.

6.   Top government officials took a conciliatory stance after the ruling, saying it was time to bring the warring factions together.

7.   But he softened his stance after a meeting with U.S. leaders earlier this month, saying that bloodshed may result if Russia leaves.

8.   His comments came as Syria appeared to harden its negotiating stance after a nine-month stalemate in peace talks.

9.   Vajpayee softens stance after fierce talk of war.

10.   Beijing was taking a very cautious stance after seeing the turmoil in Argentina, which had opened its capital market.