51.   The country is pushing hard to become a candidate for NATO membership despite its sluggish democratic and economic reforms which diminish its chances to join the Western military alliance.

52.   The draw diminishes chances of the five-year national champion Croatia to win the title again, with one match remaining in the playoffs.

53.   The loss, the second in a row, drastically diminished its chances of regaining the title.

54.   The move is likely to split opposition votes and diminish chances of success.

55.   The refugees are refusing to leave the Morong camp because they fear it will diminish their chances of entering the United States, camp officials said.

56.   The successful Croat push has strengthened Serb hawks, sidelining moderates in Knin and diminishing chances for a renewal of negotiations with the Zagreb government.

57.   The successful Croat push has strengthened Serb hard-liners, diminishing chances for a renewal of negotiations with the Zagreb government.

58.   The victory over Yugoslavia also seemed to diminish the chances of Romario to return for one more World Cup.

59.   The WBC hopes that announcing points at the end of the fourth and eighth rounds will diminish the chances of controversy erupting over decisions.

60.   The WBC hopes that by announcing total points at the end of the fourth and eighth rounds, it can diminish the chances of controversy erupting over decisions.