31.   While the president has insisted that he did not watch the Republican convention, he was nevertheless unsparing in his critique of that gathering.

32.   Addressing his former colleagues of the National Governors Association, the president also insisted that Republican measures would do too little to get jobs for welfare recipients.

33.   Although the president has insisted the election will be held according to plan, his personal security chief has urged him to delay it.

34.   At one point, the president had insisted that he would not even discuss the issue.

35.   But the president has insisted all along that Kiriyenko will be his only nominee.

36.   During the speech, the president insisted the constitutional assembly holds sway over all other government powers, including the presidency.

37.   He also said the next president should insist that sport utility vehicles be required to meet more stringent fuel efficiency guidelines.

38.   However, the president insisted that the government could not be blamed for bad banking practices and called on debtors to honor their obligations.

39.   In addition, the president was insisting that all political prisoners be released and allowed to participate in the election.

40.   Scalfaro, however, opposes early elections, Berlusconi said and indicated the president might insist on political negotiations which could go on for weeks.