21.   The sharp increase in the past few weeks surprised many analysts, who expected a more gradual increase in claims.

22.   Under his guidance, it won some tax increases, some restraint on future benefits and even a gradual increase in the eligibility age.

23.   A gradual increase in cloudiness will then be seen across the interior and mountains of Puerto Rico with widely scattered to scattered showers developing and a few moderate thunderstorms.

24.   A gradual increase in the northeast winds along with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms could be expected during the rest of this afternoon across the extreme northeast caribbean.

25.   A gradual increase of clouds and showers with isolated thunderstorms is forecast for this afternoon.

26.   A gradual increase in the northeast winds along with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms could be expected during this evening across the extreme northeast Caribbean.

27.   A gradual increase in wind and seas is expected by the end of the week.

28.   A gradual increase of north swells are expected through the week.

29.   A gradual increase of northwest swells is expected beginning tonight for the Atlantic waters.

30.   Also Monday, Finance Minister Takis Clerides pledged to control a runaway fiscal deficit with a package of gradual increases in indirect taxes and decreases in spending.