1.   And North Korea, which appeared close to a deal with the Clinton administration on the development, production and sale of missiles, has also stiffened its demands.

2.   While stiffening demands, the Bush administration has not increased the benefits it is prepared to provide North Korea.

3.   The Forum for Democracy, a loose union of opposition groups, stiffened those demands on Friday.

4.   However, Dagestani government officials quoted by Interfax said Russian helicopter gunships had opened fire in the direction of the convoy, prompting the rebels to stiffen their demands.

5.   However, Dagestani government officials quoted by Interfax said Russian helicopter gunships had fired warning shots at the convoy, prompting the rebels to stiffen their demands.

6.   Experts predicted that Israeli leaders would stiffen demands that its peace partners including the United States take a tougher stand against terrorism.