41.   Government negotiators have rejected the opposition proposal that Tajik opposition forces operate independently within the government army.

42.   Government negotiators rejected the opposition proposal that rebel forces operate independently within the government army.

43.   He did not explain how the force would operate independently, since it depends on Western aid and support.

44.   He said Serb forces were operating against ethnic terrorists, drawing comparisons with the United States.

45.   He did not immediately have any details and said the Pentagon would be deliberately vague about where the security forces would operate and how they would be equipped.

46.   Indian security forces operate similarly when searching a neighborhood for militants they suspect may be hiding there.

47.   Intelligence officials say several separatist groups fighting government forces operate from bases in Bangladesh, a charge Dhaka denies.

48.   It was unclear how the force would operate, where it would be based and who would command it.

49.   Later Thursday, Venezuelan Vice President Diosdado Cabello and Defense Minister Jose Vicente Rangel both denied said charges that FARC forces were operating in Venezuelan territory.

50.   NATO-member Norway will join a military coalition against Iraq as long as the force operates under a United Nations mandate, Foreign Minister Knut Vollebaek said Wednesday.