Each question below has two blanks, which is indicating that something has been omitted. Choose the most suitable option indicating the words that can be used to fill up the blanks in the sentences to make them meaningfully complete. The envoy’s remarks were seen as an attempt to ______ diplomatic tensions while simultaneously ______ the host nation’s sovereignty, a move criticized by several regional powers.

Alleviate: reduce or ease (e.g., pressure, tension) Infringe: violate or encroach upon (rights, sovereignty) Mitigate: soften or reduce severity Abrogate: formally abolish (a law, agreement) Pacify: calm or soothe Undermine: weaken covertly or gradually Neutralize: render ineffective Repudiate: reject or deny formally Assuage: relieve (emotion, concern) Endorse: support or approve a) mitigate, abrogate – Abrogate sovereignty is far too strong and formal; abrogate is used for treaties, not inherent concepts like sovereignty. Context mismatch. b) pacify, undermine – Pacify fits informally, but lacks the diplomatic tone. Undermine is plausible, but makes the move too direct. Slight stylistic inconsistency. c) neutralize, repudiate – Neutralize tensions sounds militaristic; better used with threats/weapons. Repudiate sovereignty implies total denial — too extreme. Overreach. d) assuage, endorse – Assuage tensions is valid, but endorse sovereignty contradicts the sentence’s implication of violating it. Logical inconsistency.