American officials had previously avoided using the word "hostage" to refer to the trapped foreigners.

Ever since that failed effort, American officials have avoided any involvement in Somalia's affairs.

He and other judicial officials have avoided expressing an opinion about whether broader changes are necessary.

He also suggested that other officials avoid overreacting to the budget at this stage.

Senior officials in the Clinton Administration have avoided saying anything about interest rates, while emphasizing that consumer price inflation remains very low.

Israeli officials at the highest level have avoided saying that they absolutely will not show up in Washington next week.

He carried out his duties and responsibilities even as top elected officials avoided them.

"Senior officials can very conveniently avoid governmental embarrassment by keeping everything classified."

Backgrounders too often allow public officials to avoid responsibility.

But both officials largely avoid broader questions of the state police culture and leadership.