51.   Ethnic conflicts still rage in Russia and are simmering in other areas such the volatile Caucasus region.

52.   Foreign businessmen said Wednesday they are willing to set up businesses in the southern Philippines but the government should first restore peace and order in the volatile region.

53.   Four Russian policemen were killed Tuesday by unidentified gunmen near the breakaway republic of Chechnya in the latest violent incident in the volatile region, officials said Tuesday.

54.   Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze is appealing to leaders of other Caucasus Mountain countries to sign a pact for closer cooperation to stabilize the volatile region.

55.   France, Italy, Spain and Portugal urge their partners not to neglect the volatile region to the south as they ease East European nations into the union.

56.   Guerrillas attacked Israeli-backed militiamen in southern Lebanon on Saturday, keeping tension high in the volatile region two days after three Israeli soldiers were killed.

57.   He plans to see his mother and vacation briefly in Italy, and then return to missionary work in Mindanao, a politically volatile region, despite the abduction.

58.   He refused to say how many soldiers and police officers were patrolling the volatile region, or how many more had been called in.

59.   Hezbollah guerrillas claimed Sunday to have captured an Israeli army colonel, threatening to raise tensions in an already volatile region.

60.   Hezbollah guerrillas claimed Sunday to have captured an Israeli army colonel, sure to raise tensions in an already volatile region.