71.   Abacha, though a hardline military ruler himself, has been welcomed as a hero in Sierra Leone.

72.   Although the plan does not address some of the most controversial congressional demands, U.N. officials hope Washington will welcome it as a major step toward reform.

73.   Although the surrenders were welcomed as a sign that Belgrade would fully cooperate with the U.N. tribunal, international pressure continues on the authorities to start making arrests.

74.   Although details of the latest concessions from Boeing were not made public, European officials welcomed them as offering a possible way out of the conflict.

75.   An Asian ambassador who attended the briefing said the U.S. proposal was welcomed as a sign that the United States was taking seriously the views of developing countries.

76.   Burma was welcomed as a member by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, last July despite objections from Western countries.

77.   But others welcomed it as a step forward.

78.   But in Japan, where the market has been hungry for accountability in the banking sector, the announcement was welcomed as progress.

79.   Employers welcome them as a steady cheap labor supply, but other workers resent them, fearing competition for fewer jobs with shrinking pay.

80.   For the first time, Russia will be welcomed as a member of the elite club after years of limited participation.