11.   The Communists have been steadfast in their opposition to Kiriyenko, and have said they believe new elections would only strengthen their numbers.

12.   Both fear elections would strengthen the Hindu nationalists, the third major power bloc in parliament and who they accuse of religious intolerance.

13.   Yegorov said he favoured a plan to keep fighting the separatists while holding local parliamentary elections to strengthen the Russian-installed government.

14.   On Friday, it was disclosed that France had proposed the Palestinians hold new elections to strengthen the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority.