21.   In interviews last week, Secret Service officials softened their position.

22.   In return, Japan will soften its position on limiting beyond rights for U.S. carriers in Asia, the Transport Ministry official said.

23.   It might be willing to soften its position on the draft, which probably will remain in place in some form.

24.   Last week, the administration softened its position and said it wanted safety inspections of trucks before they enter the United States.

25.   Ms. Ness has softened her position in recent weeks.

26.   One is left to feel that had the man and woman softened their positions even slightly at any point, their relationship might have worked.

27.   Other times, the mediators corresponded privately with one side or the other, in an attempt to soften positions and move things along.

28.   One local president said it was going to take a strike to get GM to soften its position.

29.   Publicly, the church has softened its position on homosexuality.

30.   Rep. Chris Shays, R-Conn., an early impeachment opponent, softened his position Monday and is to meet with Clinton on Wednesday.