21.   Authorities could not launch offensives against the Abu Sayyaf because of the observance of the Holy Muslim period of Ramadan.

22.   Authorities have also launched a probe on whether any Soros funds are being sold illegally in Taiwan, Perng added.

23.   Authorities have launched a search for the kidnappers, but their whereabouts and demands are not known.

24.   Authorities have launched an investigation into the exact cause of the fire and the deaths of the three adults and five children.

25.   Authorities have launched an investigation of government corruption under ex-President Suharto but have no plans to target the former leader, the attorney general said Monday.

26.   Authorities have launched several criminal cases linked to the contraband cargo, but no arrests were announced.

27.   Authorities launched one of the biggest manhunts ever in Australia but found neither Falconio nor the gunman.

28.   Austrian authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the accident.

29.   Authorities have launched a major anti-drug offensive in this remote eastern region near the Venezuelan border -- fumigating the green fields and setting jungle cocaine laboratories on fire.

30.   Authorities have launched a search for the kidnappers, but their whereabouts and demands were not immediately known.