51.   All cited severe food and fuel shortages in the communist nation.

52.   And he said the winter session also would advance plans to push eastward by moving to take in former Russian allies who as communist nations were aligned against NATO.

53.   Australia restored diplomatic relations with North Korea on Monday, joining a handful of Western nations that have established new ties with the reclusive communist nation.

54.   Aznar also said that Spanish economic aid to neighboring Cuba is intended in part to promote democracy in that communist nation.

55.   Before the wars that tore it apart, the old Yugoslavia could have been a frontrunner for EU membership among east European communist nations.

56.   Both leaders agreed they are on the right course to prevent nuclear proliferation by the communist nation in providing fuel oil and a nuclear power program for North Korea.

57.   Bush aides have been reportedly opposed to a Clinton trip to the reclusive Communist nation.

58.   Bush sees Poland as a shining example of a formerly communist nation that wisely managed its transition to a free-market democracy.

59.   But Cohen said NATO will not allow the Russians to stop qualified former communist nations from joining the alliance if they choose to apply.

60.   But others suggest the reclusive communist nation may still spend heavily on developing weapons of mass destruction as bargaining chips with the outside world.