Q:
Do these sentences have the same meaning?
While robbery appeared to be the motive , the suspects drove off before taking anything .
While robbery appeared to be the motive , the suspects fled before they could take anything , he said .
A:
yes

Q:
Do these sentences have the same meaning?
American forces here organized the elections , which officials say are important steps toward establishing democracy in Iraq .
U.S. forces organized the elections , which officials said were a step toward establishing democracy in the nation .
A:
yes

Q:
Do these sentences have the same meaning?
Thursday , Mr. Romanow called it an offence to democracy to not implement a council that so many Canadians support .
Yesterday , Mr. Romanow said it was an affront to democracy to not implement a council that so many Canadians support .
A:
yes

Q:
Do these sentences have the same meaning?
" For me , the Lewinsky imbroglio seemed like just another vicious scandal manufactured by political opponents , " according to extracts released yesterday .
" For me , the Lewinsky imbroglio seemed like just another vicious scandal manufactured by political opponents , " Mrs Clinton writes .
A:
yes