11.   But the impoverished republic has stopped short of offering bases and has permitted the use of its air space only for planes carrying U.S. aid.

12.   Ciubuc claimed Parliament and government members had failed to support market reforms in this impoverished former Soviet republic.

13.   Fighting in the impoverished Central Asian republic flared last week, and Russian military officials say they think the rebels are preparing for a major offensive.

14.   He has established a Soviet-style rule in his impoverished republic, and has harshly cracked down on political opposition.

15.   Kyrgyzstan, an impoverished former Soviet republic in the Pamir Mountains, has evolved into a major point along the drug route from Afghanistan to Russia and Europe.

16.   Most of the victims are in the south or in the mountains of Tajikistan, an impoverished former Soviet republic.

17.   Most of the victims, however, are believed to be in the rural south or in mountain villages in Tajikistan, an impoverished former Soviet republic.

18.   Niyazov, who tolerates no dissent in his impoverished former Soviet republic, has led a wide anti-corruption drive in recent months, purging many top officials.

19.   Shevardnadze praised the deal as boosting energy security for his impoverished former Soviet republic, which depends on neighboring Russia for gas supplies.

20.   Russia has become a safety valve for the impoverished republics.