11.   As the violence and anti-Chavez protests escalated on Thursday, tanks were placed around the presidential palace to guard it, news reports said.

12.   At the presidential palace, Wahid met senior Cabinet ministers, including Defense Minister Mohamad Mahfud, who has warned that the military could intervene if protests escalate.

13.   Defense Minister Mohammad Mahfud warned Tuesday that the armed forces could act independently of the government to maintain law and order if street protests escalate.

14.   During a second consecutive day of drizzle, the few street events were organized and peaceful, unlike many recent international conferences that have seen protests escalate into violence.

15.   Hours earlier President B.J. Habibie warned his country might break up if anti-government protests escalated.

16.   Hours before the massive street battle, President B.J. Habibie warned his country might break up if anti-government protests escalated.

17.   Meanwhile, Defense Minister Mohammad Mahfud warned Tuesday that the armed forces could act independently of the government to maintain law and order if street protests escalate.

18.   Some student leaders say the protests will escalate as the movement forges a common vision for reform.

19.   The protests escalated into clashes with police.

20.   THOUSANDS of doctors will refuse to do paperwork from tomorrow and have warned the protest could escalate if the government failed to improve low morale in hospitals.