41.   Perception that Japan is failing to properly atone for its wartime crimes has been a recurring thorn in improving political ties.

42.   Planning to improve ties with Central Asia, Yilmaz already has established a coordinating committee to oversee investments and policy regarding Central Asia.

43.   Rafidah has called recently for a concerted effort by both Australia and Malaysia to improve trade ties between the two countries.

44.   Pope John Paul II expected to make a major speech aimed at improving ties with China.

45.   A committee made up of industry representatives from both countries was formed Wednesday to examine ways to improve trade ties between France and its former colony.

46.   A Jordanian official and an Israeli diplomat told the Associated Press that the exchange of visit shows a desire by both states to improve ties and resume normal relations.

47.   A high-level government delegation from North Korea arrived Wednesday to discuss improving ties with South Korea and plans to send food aid to the hunger-stricken communist North.

48.   A French special envoy will visit South Korea later this week to help improve military ties, the South Korean Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

49.   A leading Iranian newspaper Tuesday accused Britain of sabotaging efforts to improve ties between Iran and the European Union, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported.

50.   Abdullah added that a settlement could be reached if Singapore sincerely wanted to negotiate and improve ties with Malaysia.