91.  Asked to comment on reports that Washington was backing off its tough stand with Japan on trade, Kantor said this interpretation was inaccurate.

92.  Both Australia and New Zealand had gone into this summit seeking a tough stand on testing.

93.  China on Wednesday took a tough stand in the UN Security Council, calling for an end to US military action against Iraq.

94.  Cuban officials early Thursday announced the end of the crisis at the Belgian compound, saying the matter was resolved because of the tough stand of the government.

95.  Ekeus is due to visit Iraq next week to take a tough stand against Baghdad for its refusal to allow inspectors into military sites.

96.  Egypt accused Pakistan on Friday of failing to take a tough stand against Islamic militants but said it expected rapid extraditions after the attack on its embassy in Islamabad.

97.  The two countries have been drawn closer since the Benjamin Netanyahu came to power in Israel in May and adopted a tough stand toward peace process.

98.  There was speculation that the tough stand reflected a dispute between the military and the foreign ministry.

99.  Liu promised organisers would take a tough stand against corruption during preparations for the Games, also vowing to work closely with the IOC to maintain Olympic standards.

100.  Meanwhile, police said the head of security in Minya had been sacked and replaced by a senior interior ministry official known for his tough stand on militants.