91.   European nations hoped the rapid reaction force would strengthen the peacekeeping mission in Bosnia.

92.   Finland called Tuesday on Secretary-General Kofi Annan to establish a headquarters for the U.N. rapid reaction force as soon as possible.

93.   Fawzi also said the rapid reaction force is expected to deter more hostage-taking.

94.   For at least two hours the shells came at a rate of one a minute, said Maj. Buster Hows, a spokesman for the U.N. rapid reaction force.

95.   France is one of the largest troop contributors to the U.N. mission and the rapid reaction force.

96.   France envisions regrouping the peacekeepers, giving them means to defend themselves and adding a rapid reaction force that would come to the assistance of U.N. troops under attack.

97.   France is asking Canada, along with other NATO and EU countries, to contribute troops and weapons to the rapid reaction force.

98.   France moved quickly, calling for an urgent meeting of the U.N. Security Council, which early today authorized creation of the rapid reaction force.

99.   France and Britain, which have had peacekeepers held hostage by Bosnian Serbs, have been pushing aggressively for the creation of the U.N. rapid reaction force.

100.   France and Britain could formally announce at the weekend meeting the creation of a rapid reaction force.