11.   Both stories, circulated recently among independence activists in the East Timor capital, were false.

12.   But an attorney working to free the independence activists said they had yet to decide about the offer.

13.   But instead of appeasing the independence activists, the changes emboldened them.

14.   But she said a ban on fraternizing with convicts would be too restrictive because many independence activists have been jailed for peaceful demonstrations.

15.   China, which regards the Dalai Lama as a dangerous independence activist, warned the visit could harm economic and other relations between Beijing and Canberra.

16.   DILI, Indonesia -- East Timorese independence activists are escalating their protests since international attention focused on a meeting of leaders of Pacific Rim nations in Indonesia this month.

17.   East Timorese independence activists have been escalating their protests since international attention focused on a meeting of leaders of Pacific Rim nations in Indonesia early in November.

18.   East Timorese independence activist Jose Ramos-Horta calls for a temporary freeze on all talks on the legal status of East Timor.

19.   East Timorese independence activist calls for a temporary freeze on all talks on the legal status of East Timor.

20.   East Timorese independence activists had been hoping the oil agreement would be invalidated as a symbolic denial of Indonesian sovereignty.