51.   If it chooses leniency, it faces fierce criticism from the political opposition and other critics who view Kim as too soft on the North.

52.   Its abrupt withdrawal sparked fierce criticism of the British government for what many people perceived as its mishandling of the issue.

53.   Lacina, whose professional competence was unquestioned, announced Wednesday he was quitting because of fierce criticism from trade unions over a controversial austerity package he helped finalize.

54.   Mohajerani had come under fierce criticism three years earlier by hard-liners for advocating direct talks with Washington.

55.   NATO is hoping to convince Lebed the eastward expansion is no threat to Russia and persuade him to tone down sometimes fierce criticism of the enlargement plan.

56.   South Korea asked Japan on Thursday to discuss an amendment to a new fisheries treaty that has provoked fierce criticism here, Foreign Ministry officials said.

57.   The case has prompted fierce criticism at home and abroad.

58.   The bankruptcy threats have met fierce criticism from some of the companies, as well as the leaders of their local governments.

59.   The Clinton administration has faced fierce criticism for refusing to sign the treaty.

60.   The camp has drawn fierce criticism from the government, which accuses the Council of Churches of offering false hope to asylum seekers.