1.   Moldavia refused to hold the referendum on the grounds that it would worsen ethnic tensions in the republic.

2.   But in the coming months, the Hutu soldiers and militiamen could increase guerrilla incursions, worsening ethnic tensions in Rwanda and impeding the return of refugees.

3.   Deepening urban poverty worsens racial tensions and threatens the fiscal future of the cities.

4.   Gephardt fears that taking a more aggressive stance would worsen tensions among Democrats, and threaten his goal of reclaiming the House this fall and becoming speaker.

5.   Macedonia is right to worry that the influx of ethnic Albanians will worsen ethnic tensions there.

6.   Pakistan is now warning that a snub by Clinton could worsen tensions even further.

7.   The arrests are likely to worsen tensions between Arafat and Islamic forces, who were already denouncing him as a collaborator with Israel.

8.   The fighting among pro-government parties has also worsened longstanding tensions between the two chambers of Congress.

9.   U.N. officials said they believe the shootout on Thursday may worsen tensions between Croats in this area and the fundamentalists, called mujahedeen, who are based here.