31.   The Dutch Foreign Ministry confirmed the release.

32.   The government has not released the names of those freed, but Sanchez said his group had confirmed numerous releases Thursday and Friday through contact with relatives.

33.   The office of French President Jacques Chirac confirmed the releases, easing tension just two days before the signing of the Bosnian peace treaty in Paris.

34.   The Italian Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, confirmed the release and said Ferrara was in good health.

35.   The office of French President Jacques Chirac confirmed the releases, defusing tensions just two days before the signing of the Bosnian peace treaty in Paris.

36.   The Pentagon confirmed the release.

37.   The U.S. Embassy in Beijing also confirmed the release.

38.   The White House could not confirm the release.

39.   Vietnam on Monday confirmed the release of a prominent dissident who was arrested more than two months ago.

40.   HAMAS sources confirmed the release.