51.   But it also stressed that the Chinese foreign ministry had denied that Deng had fallen ill.

52.   But the French foreign ministry immediately denied the report.

53.   But in Paris, the French defense ministry denied the report.

54.   But the Ukrainian defence ministry categorically denied that report.

55.   But there was no independent confirmation of the sorties and the Russian defence ministry denied that its planes had raided or conducted airstrikes over Grozny on Sunday.

56.   But the Ukrainian defence ministry categorically denied the report.

57.   But the Israeli defence ministry on Sunday denied suggestions that this new get-tough policy would mean a return of military or civil administration in the territories.

58.   Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiroku Kajiyama said the South Korean foreign ministry had denied reports that Seoul was considering postponing the visit which has been scheduled for Wednesday.

59.   Earlier, state televison and radio reported that he met senior Ukraine officials, including President Leonid Kuchma, but the foreign ministry has strongly denied this.

60.   Earlier the German foreign ministry denied a claim by Focus alleging the ministry had covered up a report by an eyewitness which had suggested the blast was deliberate.