The diplomats stressed that Mr. Hussein still has other options, including the military option, which most believe he has not abandoned.

But NATO officials and diplomats have stressed that Russia's best way to deepen its security dialogue with the West is through the partnership.

The Western diplomat here welcomed the idea of foreign military aid and training, but stressed that any action would have to take place over a long period, and also include political reforms and economic development.

British diplomats stressed that the meeting was only to discuss Johnston's kidnapping and did not "represent a change of policy".

For weeks British diplomats had stressed that the arms inspections in Iraq were working reasonably well and they urged American officials to allow more time for them.

Another diplomat stressed "the glass house" caution of Mr. Gorbachev.

American diplomats, for their part, stressed that their military forces continued to enjoy a remarkable degree of patience and even support, given the undisputed enormity of West Germany's military burden.

But Western diplomats here stress the long list of recommendations the experts have made for changes in the way the agency operates, saying these show unhappiness with many of its practices.

Western diplomats stressed that the evidence of dissension is far from conclusive, but said it has attracted intense scrutiny in recent days.

The delegation and other diplomats have also stressed to the new Prime Minister that the behaviour of security forces observed during the previous strike should simply stop.