21.   Even before the collision, however, the security ties were under considerable strain.

22.   Gong will review the situations on the Korean peninsula with U.S. officials and affirm close security ties between the two allies, he said.

23.   He also signed a joint declaration with Prime Minister Hashimoto reaffirming US-Japanese security ties.

24.   He pledged stronger security ties with Japan, a constructive relationship with China, promotion of peace on the Korean peninsula, where peace talks are now scheduled.

25.   If Japan-U.S. security ties are indeed necessary, they say, the cost should be shared by all the people of Japan.

26.   Implicit in that assessment is a concern that a breakdown of social and political order in Indonesia could endanger security ties throughout the region.

27.   Maligalig said Birks and his delegation will then travel to Singapore as part of a tour to strengthen security ties with other Asia-Pacific nations.

28.   Moscow has also tried to form closer security ties in the region to stave off Islamic militancy and drug-trafficking.

29.   On Wednesday, Cohen met with Chief Cabinet Spokesman Hiromu Nonaka to discuss bilateral security ties.

30.   President Clinton has pledged to help the Middle East combat terrorism and has promised stronger security ties with Israel.