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

102.   But on Wednesday it appeared to soften its stance, agreeing to let three of its leaders accept honorary posts as advisers to Lee.

103.   But the president softened his stance Thursday in the meeting at Rus, a government residence outside the capital.

104.   But since then, the Swiss banks and government have appeared to soften their stance on a government donation that Jewish groups have demanded as a goodwill gesture.

105.   But the government will not soften its stance, the report said.

106.   But it now appears he has softened his stance as part of a compromise with Russia.

107.   But the IOC, at an executive board meeting last week in Dakar, Senegal, softened its stance.

108.   But the Portuguese showed no signs of softening their stance.

109.   But the president-elect, who has softened his stance on independence to appeal to nervous voters, immediately pledged to seek dialogue with Beijing.

110.   But Yeltsin softened his stance on Thursday in the meeting at Rus, a government residence outside the capital.