1.   But some observers believe his mere presence in the chief executive slot could thaw relations with the government.

2.   China and the United States held trade talks here Tuesday and agreed to higher-level discussions later this year, a new sign of slowly thawing relations.

3.   It was up to the United States to make the first move in thawing relations, Kharrazi said.

4.   James has supported thawing relations between the union and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, while Schermerhorn and his caucus, New Directions, have advocated a tougher approach.

5.   Now, U.S. policy-makers have been debating whether to try once more to thaw relations with Iran.

6.   The Diamondbacks could thaw relations between the classes with one pitch.

7.   The effort has thawed relations between the Ulster Unionist and Sinn Fein parties but has so far failed to produce a breakthrough.

8.   A round of reunions also was held in August in a symbol of thawing relations between the two Koreas.

9.   A senior Chinese official arrived in Taiwan Monday for a weeklong visit, bringing hopes of thawing relations between the two rival governments.

10.   Both sides expressed optimism because of thawing relations between democratic South Korea and the long-isolated North, following a June summit.