1.  A common stand was often taken in the name of preserving European unity on an issue that could have divided France and Germany.

2.  Aid officials say that it is essential that all agencies, public and private, adopt a common stand when dealing with developing countries.

3.  Arab unity and a common stand remain an elusive goal.

4.  Council sources said progress had been made on a common stand but some details appeared to remain unresolved.

5.  Council sources said progress had been made during the meetings on a common stand but some details appeared to remain unresolved.

6.  Developing countries have yet to agree on a common stand.

7.  EU grappling with the foreign policy issues such as Russia and Kosovo underline its inability to take a common stand quickly and effectively.

8.  Even within the Asean countries, he observes, there is no common stand.

9.  Foreign ministers of six Gulf Arab countries also are expected to meet in Saudi Arabia on Thursday to forge a common stand on the Iraqi question.

10.  However, ministers failed to achieve a common stand on whether the treaty should be extended indefinitely.