61.   The U.S. consulate voiced its concerns to the Hong Kong government, and human rights campaigners said the decision appeared improper and political.

62.   U.N. officials said the Serb decision appeared prompted by fears of a showdown with peacekeepers for control of Mount Igman, the only remaining land route into Sarajevo.

63.   The latest decision appeared to be a compromise between the federation, which wants the ban lifted, and Islamic hardliners opposed to any easing of the restriction.