1.   A long standoff, however, could further weaken the franc.

2.   FRENCH FRANC The threat of higher U.S. interest rates could weaken the franc.

3.   In recent weeks, the central bank has kept boosting money supply in a bid to weaken the franc and avoid choking the economic recovery.

4.   In recent weeks, the central bank has kept boosting money supply in a bid to weaken the franc and not to choke off the economic recovery under way.

5.   In the meantime, a long standoff is likely to further weaken the franc.

6.   It said it did not make the cut to weaken the franc or spur the economy.

7.   One is that the U.S. dollar could weaken again, driving people into the safe haven of the mark, which in turn would weaken the franc.

8.   One risk of a rate cut is that it might weaken the franc, which has appreciated this summer even as the Bank of France cut rates.

9.   Rejection would depress demand by weakening the franc and raising interest rates.

10.   Still, economists said the move also was meant to help revive the sluggish economy and weaken the franc.