11.   Some traditional Catholics, for instance, say that weakening the authority of the church was a cause of this scandal, and should not be considered a solution.

12.   The Commerce Department, which dominated the U.S. negotiating position at the GATT talks, fought against provisions that would weaken its authority.

13.   The changes are weakening the authority of whatever central leadership emerges to replace Deng.

14.   The proposed settlement severely weakens that authority, critics said.

15.   The scandal has led to concern that either Clinton will be forced from office or his presidential authority will be weakened.

16.   U.N. agencies cannot make their proposals for Turner money directly to the U.N. Foundation for fear that might weaken the authority of the U.N. secretary-general rather than strengthen it.

17.   Opposition leaders, who accuse Maskhadov of being too sympathetic toward Russia, frequently use violence in attempts to weaken his authority.

18.   Proposals circulated by Russia, France and other mediators would all have the effect of weakening the authority of the commission.

19.   France last week indicated it might push for similar European measures to counter any U.S. action weakening the authority of the WTO.

20.   In his speech Friday, Jiang ruled out weakening party authority and pledged to deal with challenges to its rule resolutely.