In effect, the new Constitution will shift power to the two republics, whose prime ministers have already been seeking to extend their influence under the old framework.

What is it that the minister seeks to hide, with his hand always over his heart?

On Saturday 10 February, three ministers sought a rapprochement with the positions of the rebel commanders, so that the president would retain his position.

Not only that, the prime minister is seeking to honor election pledges of tax cuts and to cut spending.

Even as they pressed ahead with expansion, the foreign ministers sought to assuage Russia's fear that the expansion would threaten its security.

A former Dutch foreign minister, he was consistently critical of Iraq, which had barred him from entering since 1992 and had sought his dismissal.

This event rapidly became an American-style convention as leading ministers sought to establish their credentials.

When France fell at the end of June 1940, several ministers sought to return to Belgium.

Presidents and prime ministers have sought his blessings, and his counsel.

Until 1992 these ministers would seek to agree on spending limits for their department in bi-lateral negotiations with the chief secretary to the Treasury.