11.   At the opening of the talks Wednesday, South Korea apparently softened a demand that its own observers monitor food distribution.

12.   Before the talks got underway, an Israeli newspaper reported that Arafat may be softening his demand for a complete withdrawal from Palestinian-populated areas before the ballot.

13.   But a Saudi spokesman said the crown prince was not softening his demand to Bush that the United States pressure Israel to halt military action against the Palestinians.

14.   But tame inflation and mostly calm economic times have softened demand for gold bullion and sent its price falling.

15.   Earlier this summer, the government threatened to seize assets from some delinquents unless they paid up but then softened its demands.

16.   Eckhard said he did not know whether Kabila indicated to the U.N. envoy that he was prepared to soften that demand.

17.   However, the union appears to be softening its demands.

18.   Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon refused Sunday to soften demands for the violence-free period of one week before carrying out the steps sought by the United Stages.

19.   Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon refused Sunday to soften demands for the violence-free period of one week before carrying out the steps sought by the United States.

20.   South Korea has softened its demand that rival North Korea apologize for its recent actions before peace efforts can resume.