11.   The two leaders avoided an open clash, but they did so by steering widely around a patch of volatile political territory.

12.   Western leaders have avoided openly criticizing Russia but have urged talks.

13.   While the APEC leaders will avoid the hard decisions now, the fact that they are looking at pulling together a free trade zone is significant.

14.   While the Democratic Party leaders purposely avoided the fray over the race, it has not stopped other key Democrats.

15.   Yet like both political parties, environmental leaders also avoided pressing for public sacrifices.

16.   Party leaders generally avoid openly taking positions in primary races, but often support a candidate behind the scenes to ensure the strongest goes on to the general election.

17.   As a rule, the Palestinian leader avoids direct confrontations with Hamas, but relations between his government and the Islamic group have deteriorated in recent months.

18.   But the leaders could not avoid their disagreement over NATO.

19.   Church leaders have mostly avoided taking positions.

20.   In contrast to Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, European leaders have avoided Bratislava in recent years.