21.   Suu Kyi softened rhetoric at gatherings of supporters last weekend to avoid violating the laws.

22.   The BJP, which opinion polls predict will win the most seats in parliamentary voting later this month, had softened such rhetoric during the campaign.

23.   The pro-Islamic Welfare Party, the top vote-getter in recent parliamentary elections, on Friday softened its rhetoric in the hopes of forming a government.

24.   However, as prime minister he softened his rhetoric.