31.   Comoran troops were out in force to prevent disturbances but a contingent of French troops stationed in the islands since September was ordered to stay in camp.

32.   Coutiti and his men are alleged to have exerted a reign of terror on the island since the beginning of the crisis six months ago.

33.   This is the first time the Chinese flag has been flown on the island since a change of policy towards Chinese delegates attending international activities in Taiwan.

34.   It came after a Chinese ship arrived at the weekend in Kaohsiung, to become only the second Chinese vessel to dock at the island since the war.

35.   It came after two Chinese ships arrived at the weekend in Kaohsiung, to become the first Chinese vessels to dock at the island since the war.

36.   Missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham from Kansas and Filipina nurse Ediborah Yap have been held hostage by Abu Sayyaf Muslim rebels on Basilan island since last year.

37.   Several Russian and east European firms have started operating on this Mediterranean island since the downfall of the former Soviet Union, which had good ties with Cyprus.

38.   Snow has fallen continuously in the islands since Saturday and some households have been without electricity for three days.

39.   Smoke has also clouded parts of Sumatra island since the past week.

40.   South Korea has occupied the previously uninhabited islands since the end of World War II.