11.   A military spokesman was unavailable for comment, and the Justice ministry refused to provide any information.

12.   Because all foreigners must have government permission in order to perform here, past attempts to bring Jackson fizzled when the ministry refused.

13.   But the ministry refused to say when troops would move.

14.   But the defense ministry refused to issue wireless communication permits, saying any unrestricted use of wireless by the UNDP could interfere with anti-rebel operations.

15.   But the defense ministry has refused to withdraw the armed militia, who live in barracks inside Kabul and roam the streets heavily armed.

16.   He entered Vietnam on a transit visa and the ministry refused to extend it, saying his activities were not helping bilateral relations.

17.   He said the Culture and Arts Ministry would have to agree to give Gottliebova the paintings, adding that he hoped the ministry would refuse.

18.   Oetomo said the ministry would refuse all applications for new concessions except for those wanting to operate in the two provinces.

19.   The announcement was unusual because the ministry had previously refused to reveal information on the status of refugees.

20.   The Bulgarian interior ministry refused to comment.