2. Study the table. Translate the words and write the transcription to them.

Relations	Talks	Sanctions	Atmosphere	Stance
Establish (v)	Negotiation	Trade (adj.)	Cordial	Tough stance

2. Read and translate the sentences. State what relations are described.

1. Denmark and Iceland have become the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the three Baltic republics.

2. After Indonesia’s invasion of east Timor, Portugal broke off diplomatic relations with Indonesia.

3. Britain’s trade with Iran cannot be wholly unrelated to the two countries’ history of strained relations. Though diplomatic relations were restored last year, ambassador has not been exchanged yet.

4. The trip is being seen as an important step in normalizing relations between the two countries. Our correspondent says that the visit undoubtedly marks a thaw in Harare’s previously frosty attitude to South Africa.

5. Japan –fearful of putting further strain its already tense relations with the United States – has continued to support the economic embargo against Vietnam, albeit unwillingly.

6. By extending central rule, the government risks souring relations with the Sikhs.

7. Some Europeans think that, if Serbia were morally and diplomatically isolated, it would think twice about fighting on.

8. The United States is considering impose trade sanctions against Thailand, unless Thailand lifts a ban on foreign cigarette imports and advertising.

9. Mr. Davidow said his two days of talks with the Angolan government had taken place in an exceedingly cordial and open atmosphere. There’d been a very frank exchange of views about the peace talks under way between the MPLA government and Unita rebels.

10. There’s been no narrowing of difference on one of the main stumbling blocks, aircraft.

11. They say although the two sides have reached broad agreement on a number of issues, deep differences remain over the timetable for peace and political change.

2. Which of the verbs below mean the same as 1) ‘break off’ and 2) ‘restore’ in the context of diplomatic relations? Use appropriate forms of the verbs to complete the extracts below.

a. resume

b. renew

c. re-open

d. cut off

e. break

f. re-establish

1. Senegal and Mauritania have agreed in principle to _ _ _ _ _ _ diplomatic relations, broken off two years ago after bloody clashes along the Senegal river which forms their common frontier.

2. The Moscow talks were the first between senior diplomats of the two countries since the Soviet Union _ _ _ _ _ _ diplomatic relations with Israel in 1967.

3. Mexico and the Vatican _ _ _ _ _ diplomatic relations in 1867, when the reformist President Juarez confiscated all church properties and suppressed the religious orders.

4. The visit is talking place just over three months after Argentina and Britain agreed to _ _ _ _ _ diplomatic relations eight years the two countries broke all links during the Falklands War.

5. In recent years, Albania has _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ diplomatic relations with most European countries.

6. Table tennis teams were visiting China before Nixon _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ diplomatic relations between Communist China and the United States.