He praised the decision as a step toward autonomy for the city.

He praised the plan as a significant first step in the state's effort to change the way it manages child welfare.

Her lawyer praised today's decision as a first step toward justice.

Though not invited to the conference, American officials have praised the meeting as a positive step toward freer world trade.

Academic researchers praised the study as a first step in understanding a previously unsuspected risk.

The plan had been praised as a step toward the restoration of full democracy in Pakistan.

Advocates for the poor praised the new effort as a crucial first step.

Occupation authority officials praised the change as a step toward "reconciliation."

Environmentalists here praised the agreement as a major step in dealing with the threat to ozone and a precedent for future action.

He praised the bill faintly as "a small step."