61.   Despite growing criticism from Russia and abroad over the arrests, Lukashenko has refused to bend.

62.   Despite growing international criticism of its human-rights record, the government has said the executions are necessary to deter crime that is rampant in most Nigerian cities.

63.   Faced with growing criticism, Fujimori eliminated the law through a presidential decree.

64.   FBI agents joined the investigation Thursday of a suicide bombing that killed an American student, while PLO leader Yasser Arafat came under growing criticism from Palestinians.

65.   Faced with growing criticism over allegations of racism and financial mismanagement, the head of the World Health Organization on Friday stood firm against pressure for him to quit.

66.   Growing criticism at home and abroad has not curbed the Russian offensive.

67.   Government members struck an increasingly defensive note in the face of growing criticism over a subsidized housing scandal involving Premier Alain Juppe.

68.   Growing international criticism of the Taliban, including the latest round of economic sanctions that took effect in January, brought more Arab and international warriors into Afghanistan.

69.   Growing international criticism of the Taliban, including the latest round of economic sanctions that took effect in January, brought more militants into Afghanistan.

70.   He had faced growing criticism at home over his failure to win concessions from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.