21.   The defense ministry refused to allow reporters access to the site.

22.   The defense ministry refused to confirm or deny the report but repeated Britain was ready to participate in a NATO attack.

23.   The defense ministry refused to confirm or deny the report but repeated that Britain was ready to participate in a NATO attack.

24.   The German finance ministry refused to comment Wednesday about any conditions laid down by Telecom Italia for the planned merger.

25.   The home ministry refused to comment in keeping with a government practice, and her lawyer was not immediately available.

26.   The ministry refused to disclose any other details but a ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the police stations were targeted.

27.   The ministry itself refused to confirm or deny the release.

28.   The ministry previously had refused to comment on the story.

29.   The ministry refused to comment on the negotiations except to say more talks would be scheduled.