61.   Analysts see the growing ties between China and Russia as a counterbalance to increasing US influence over world affairs following the end of the Cold War.

62.   But the PLO rejected the idea because it feared the council would become a tool of Jordan and increase its influence in Jerusalem.

63.   Last May, Russia and NATO set up a joint council which Moscow hopes will increase its influence within the defense alliance.

64.   Moratinos was appointed Monday by EU foreign ministers in a low-key move designed to increase EU influence on the peace process while avoiding a clash with the United States.

65.   Officials say extremists exploit differences and foment unrest to increase their influence.

66.   Over the week, various groups have been jostling to increase their influence on the council of state, which under the proposals would choose the new transitional government.

67.   President Elias Hrawi and parliament speaker Nabih Berri refused to allow the prime minister to monopolize the political arena and managed to increase their influence in the cabinet.

68.   The KDP and Baghdad accused Iran at the time of supporting the PUK in a bid to increase its influence in the region, a charge denied by Tehran.