41.   The government claimed that this was a step towards the demilitarization of Nicosia.

42.   This was the first official Israeli representation in China and was viewed as the first step towards the establishment of diplomatic relations.

43.   Gorbachev used his emergency presidential powers to issue during October four decrees marking critical steps towards market reform.

44.   Both moves were seen as tentative steps towards opening up the political system.

45.   According to some reports the policy was the first step towards making the currency convertible.

46.   The signature of a declaration on relations between the two countries was seen as the first step towards a future inter-state treaty.

47.   They also invited Vietnam and Laos to accede to the TAC as a first step towards full ASEAN membership.

48.   This, it was said, would be the basis of and a step towards friendly relations between the Baltic states and CIS countries.

49.   According to some commentators, the talks, which had been requested by Japan, were a first step towards regular meetings of the four regional economic powers.

50.   Chung described the agreements as another giant step towards opening an era of reconciliation and co-operation between the two countries.