31.   A U.S. Army spokesman confirmed sporadic reports of mortar and machine-gun fire Wednesday, but could not say whether an offensive was under way.

32.   Blair signaled the military offensive would be a prolonged operation.

33.   Burma has refused to release casualty figures until the offensive is over.

34.   But analysts say that unless the offensive is part of a broader military strategy, it could achieve little.

35.   But Moscow has shown no sign of backing down, saying the offensive is necessary to wipe out Chechen rebels it classifies as terrorists.

36.   But she said the offensive was not necessarily a basis for changing overall U.S. policy toward Burma.

37.   But some commanders said an offensive was inevitable.

38.   But the polls indicate that a character offensive could be a liability.

39.   Croat military support is essential if the Bosnian offensive is to succeed, say Western analysts.

40.   Even though the Serbs insist the offensive is in the mop-up phase, the exodus of civilians out of Kosovo has continued.