21.   Japanese officials applauded the raise.

22.   Japanese officials applauded the hike.

23.   New South Wales Labour Council, state government and Games officials applauded the agreement as guaranteeing stable and flexible working conditions for about two months around the Games.

24.   Portuguese officials applauded a U.N. deal allowing the people of East Timor to decide whether to remain a part of Indonesia, but underscored the difficulties that lay ahead.

25.   U.S. officials applauded the action, saying a majority of the retiring officers were disreputable and potential dangers to democracy.

26.   While law enforcement officials applauded the FBI for retooling its mission, some question the costs to their agencies in manpower and resources.