Following the 2005 elections, much of the leadership of Iran has been described as more "staunchly committed to core Shia values" and lacking Ayatollah Khomeini's commitment to Shia-Sunni unity.

Even human rights groups say that some of them remain staunchly committed to the group's violent cause.

The nervous response speaks volumes about the underlying dilemma of an agency that became staunchly committed to deregulation during the Reagan era, but that also wants to uphold conservative moral values in broadcasting.

While his style varied, Mr. Pavia remained staunchly committed to the idea of the avant-garde in American art.

In particular, the Canberra council was sympathetic to the emerging republican movement, while the Victorian council was staunchly committed to constitutional ties with Britain.

It was common knowledge just how staunchly committed he was to replicating his idol's ideology and life, including (or perhaps especially) the harem.

In a statement yesterday, Governor Pataki said, "We remain staunchly committed to building the cultural building and the performing arts center and to bringing life-affirming cultural activity to the World Trade Center site."

But with Mr. Chrétien - and the three Liberal Party contenders to succeed him in February - staunchly committed to decriminalization, a change in marijuana laws that is not entirely to Washington's liking is considered a near certainty.

Texas was staunchly committed to slavery, with its constitution making illegal the unauthorized emancipation of slaves by their owners.

"We are staunchly committed to the theater," said Chris Petrikin, the senior vice president for corporate communications at William Morris.