11.   A new long-term defence blueprint was adopted in late November.

12.   According to the new defence law, a single federal defence ministry is to be set up.

13.   Australia on Monday appointed a new defence attache to Paris, reinstating a post suspended over the nuclear tests.

14.   Australia has also decided to name a new defence attache to Paris.

15.   Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has named a new acting defence minister after sacking the previous official for being drunk, Interfax news agency reported Saturday.

16.   But no progress has been reported on the planned demobilisation of the rival armies and the formation of a new joint defence force in the sprawling southern African country.

17.   Defence Minister Joe Modise unveiled a planned new defence policy Wednesday under which South Africa will be committed to fostering regional peace and to international arms control.

18.   Estonian President Lennart Meri confirmed Enn Tupp as new defence minister Tuesday, the Interfax agency reported.

19.   The prime minister is tipped to name former attorney general Tilak Marapone as the new defence minister later Wednesday.

20.   The weapons, still in good condition, will be handed to the joint new national defence force combining former government and RENAMO troops.