1.   Clinton put the emphasis on smoothing strained relations.

2.   But over the years, gestures like learning Creole and taking black and Hispanic community leaders to South Korea have smoothed relations.

3.   His main appeal is that he is liked in Parliament, and could help smooth administration relations there.

4.   If for no other reason than to smooth its relations with Congress.

5.   Philip Morris has tried to smooth relations with investors by raising its dividend, talking more with major shareholders and replacing its corporate secretary.

6.   Selling the computers would have smoothed relations with Moscow.

7.   Still, league officials had to hope that relations were smoothed, something American League President Gene Budig had wished for before the game.

8.   Though Steblin said he planned to smooth relations, many NHL players are said to fear the new president will carry on the politics of old.

9.   To help ease tensions, Annan traveled to Washington in February to smooth relations and try to persuade Congress to pay more than a billion dollars in past dues.

10.   A delegation from the American Jewish Committee will meet with senior officials here to try and smooth relations between Greece and Israel.