Meanwhile,humanitarian efforts are being stepped up by the international community to bring relief to the thousands of refugees from the conflict.

VOA: standard.2009.10.11

Somalia's pirates have stepped up their attacks in recent weeks and now hold at least 11 vessels and more than 200 crew.

VOA: standard.2009.11.10

But we stepped up because we decided we were going to take the responsibility of changing it.

VOA: standard.2010.02.06

Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa stepped up mediation efforts to end the conflict, after arriving in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, for a three-day visit,Tuesday.

VOA: standard.2009.10.11

Last week, Palestinians stepped up mortar and rocket attacks, and Israel responded with air strikes.

VOA: standard.2010.01.10

World Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan said the alert level was stepped up because influenza viruses are unpredictable and can spread quickly around the world.

VOA: standard.2009.04.29

U.S.President Barack Obama has ordered security measures to be stepped up at all U.S.airports.

VOA: standard.2009.12.26

Thaung Htun says tensions are rising in Rangoon before the verdict, amid stepped up security and fears of public unrest if Aung San Suu Kyi is found guilty.

VOA: standard.2009.05.31

Mindful that political momentum appears to be slipping, President Obama has stepped up his efforts to win support for health care reform in recent weeks with a series of campaign style events around the country.

VOA: standard.2009.07.31

adaptations,coastal protections Among a host of necessary need to be built, crops threatened by drought need to be modified, health care needs to be stepped up, and new clean energy solutions need to put in place.

VOA: standard.2009.12.11

McCain said the United States, France,Britain and Germany should not wait for the United Nations before imposing their own stepped-up sanctions regime.

VOA: standard.2010.04.14