11.   And Saudi officials sought to downplay talk that they were planning retribution if the White House did not take a firmer stand against Sharon.

12.   And U.S. officials have sought international backing for the military action with some success.

13.   And while officials clearly sought tolerance for illegal immigrants, they enacted their immigration measure largely to dispel rumors that City Hall was behind a local Border Patrol crackdown.

14.   And while administration officials sought to put the best face on the meeting, they acknowledged there was still considerable work to do.

15.   Another top government official sought to downplay the difficulties that law enforcement officials have encountered so far in the anthrax investigation.

16.   Another negative for Feinstein is the business connections her husband, Richard Blum, has in China, and allegations that Chinese officials sought to influence U.S. policy.

17.   As the military situation appeared to worsen, top government officials sought to calm the public.

18.   At least one other school official Friday sought to clarify remarks she made Thursday regarding Ebonics.

19.   At first, Cinar officials sought to deflect the parliamentary accusations, saying they were motivated by partisan politics.

20.   At the same time, officials sought to calm public anxiety with some simple numbers.