31.   And he downplayed the possibility that an overloaded cargo ship caused the crash.

32.   Barshefsky downplayed the possibility of a congressional backlash against China, saying Beijing was taking steps to address the issue.

33.   But he downplayed that possibility.

34.   But he downplayed the possibility of a split in the church.

35.   But Foreign Minister Ali Alatas downplayed the possibility, saying Suharto could only be replaced through a lengthy constitutional process.

36.   Doctors downplayed the possibility that Cheney would need more extensive treatment.

37.   For months, Japan has been downplaying the possibility of deflation, an economic situation that can lead to recession.

38.   Foreign Secretary Jack Straw also downplayed the possibilities for easing tensions.

39.   Habibie downplayed the possibility of more trouble after he visited the city of Malang on the eastern end of the main island of Java on Friday.

40.   NATO downplayed the possibility Thursday that ethnic Albanian insurgents would launch new attacks this spring in Macedonia, arguing that so far the rebels were honoring a peace deal.