11.   With elite troops still at his disposal and support from some provincial governors, he imposed a crippling economic blockade on the capital Antananarivo.

12.   Moscow imposed a crippling economic blockade on the republic but without apparently dampening enthusiasm for independence.

13.   Moscow imposed a crippling economic blockade on the republic but without apparently dampening the popular enthusiasm for independence.

14.   Russia denies it has plans to invade the republic to restore control, but it has imposed a crippling economic blockade and helped finance the rebel movement.

15.   The crippling blockade was on the agenda for talks with Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy on Sunday morning in London, he said.