41.   Hundreds of foreign dignitaries were attending the celebrations.

42.   In the remote northeast, few civilians attended celebrations, afraid of defying a strike call by separatist rebels.

43.   In the Croat stronghold of western Mostar, hundreds of people attended celebrations Saturday marking the ninth anniversary of the founding of wartime Croat militia.

44.   Israel prevented Arafat from attending Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem and has said it will also bar him from Orthodox Christmas celebrations there on Sunday.

45.   Israel prevented Arafat from attending Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem for the same reason, an action criticized by the United States.

46.   Israel prevented Arafat from attending Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem for the same reason, Gissin said, an action criticized by the United States.

47.   Israel prevented Arafat from attending Christmas celebrations in the West Bank town of Bethlehem and has said it will also bar him from Orthodox Christmas celebrations there on Sunday.

48.   It was not clear whether Cuban leader Fidel Castro would attend the celebration, but his government is placing great importance on the birthday.

49.   Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert says he plans to send an invitation to Pope John Paul II in the next few days to attend millennium celebrations in the Holy Land.

50.   Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the United Nations which is now administering the territory, has confirmed that he will be attending the celebrations.